The tendency for developers to mimic the style of Hollywood blockbusters in video game soundtracks, as highlighted by Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu, is hindering the advancement of video game music. Uematsu expressed his concern that the industry has become too comfortable with movie soundtrack-like music in games, which poses a risk of stunting the growth and development of game music as a whole.
Uematsu reflected on how hardware limitations in the early days of his career served as catalysts for creativity. The constraints imposed by platforms like the NES and SNES, with their limited memory and sound capabilities, forced composers to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to create memorable tracks that worked within those limitations.
Freedom to Experiment
The composer emphasized the importance of freedom and experimentation in the creative process of composing video game music. Uematsu believes that composers need to break away from the status quo and explore new avenues in order to keep pushing the boundaries of what game music can achieve. By challenging themselves to create something unique and original, composers can inject new life and excitement into the medium.
Uematsu dismissed the idea of using AI to generate music for games, arguing that true musical connection with players can only come from human composers who draw from their own experiences and emotions. He highlighted the importance of tapping into one’s inner creativity and expressing those unique aspects through music, as opposed to relying on artificial intelligence to churn out generic and soulless compositions.
The Legacy of 8-Bit Music
Uematsu pointed to the era of 8-bit games as a prime example of the transformative power of music in gaming. In a time where visuals and voice acting were severely limited by hardware constraints, the music in games like the original Final Fantasy played a crucial role in creating emotional depth and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game world. Uematsu’s own contributions to the Final Fantasy series have left an indelible mark on the history of video game music.
Looking Towards the Future
As Uematsu reflects on his extensive career in composing video game music, he acknowledges the need for new voices and perspectives to continue pushing the medium forward. While he may no longer have the strength to score entire games, his influence and legacy in the industry serve as a reminder of the power of original, human-made music in creating immersive and memorable gaming experiences. Embracing innovation and daring to be different are key to overcoming stagnation in video game music and unlocking its full potential.
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