AI-generated media is a point of contention for many, creatives included, and it appears that Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu is no exception. In a new digitally translated interview with JASRAC Magazine, the series’ composer explained that, despite changes in game music and a rise in AI utilization, he’s unlikely to try it himself. His reason? It’s just not rewarding. “I’ve never used AI and probably never will. I think it still feels more rewarding to go through the hardships of creating something myself. When you listen to music, the fun is also in discovering the background of the person who created it, right?”
Uematsu continues, suggesting AI-generated music lacks human-made melodies’ nuance and individuality: “AI doesn’t have that kind of background. Even in performances, music spun by humans is unstable and unique to each individual. I think it’s that fluctuation and expansion that makes it so enjoyable.” The composer’s comments follow Final Fantasy studio Square Enix’s increasing implementation of the technology.
Square Enix’s AI Endeavor
Japanese game studio Square Enix hasn’t been shy about its generative AI ramp-up. In May 2020, the studio announced the establishment of Square Enix AI & Arts Alchemy Co., Ltd., an entity created to “pursue R&D efforts and business opportunities in the field of ‘entertainment AI.’” The press release continues:
“‘To spread happiness across the globe by providing unforgettable experiences’ is the corporate philosophy that guides the Square Enix group in businesses that include digital entertainment, publication, amusement, and merchandising. Among the group’s vast technology portfolio, the AI and artistic technologies such as computer graphics used in its games have particular potential to contribute to a wide range of entertainment domains beyond the scope of its existing businesses.
“We believe that new forms of entertainment will be created against a backdrop of ongoing technological innovations, as exemplified by XR and next-generation telecommunications standards such as 5G. SQUARE ENIX AI & ARTS Alchemy will launch its operations with the goal of pursuing R&D efforts that apply the Square Enix group’s knowledge and expertise in Aand art not only to games but to the broader concept of ‘entertainment AI.’ SQUARE ENIX AI & ARTS Alchemy will also strive to creI ate new fields of business, with an eye to potential tie-ups with companies in the entertainment industry.”
A New Year’s Day 2024 letter from Square Enix President Takashi Kiryu said the studio “intend[s] to be aggressive in applying AI and other cutting-edge technologies to both our content development and our publishing functions. In the short term,” he wrote, “our goal will be to enhance our development productivity and achieve greater sophistication in our marketing efforts. In the longer term, we hope to leverage those technologies to create new forms of content for consumers … “
The company seemed a bit more reserved in its excitement just six months later. A digitally translated post on X from @michsuzu quoted Kiryu at the Square Enix Shareholders Meeting: “On the other hand, creativity is very sensitive, and some customers have a variety of opinions. As a creator, I will keep a close eye on the world and keep an eye on it.”
In February 2025, Microsoft shared that Square Enix uses Azure OpenAI for “AI-enhanced game development.” While the full story gets more technical, a few key quotes from Square Enix executives seem to explain the overall message. Square Enix’s Teppei Ono, a Senior Programmer in AI and Engine Development, suggests that gen-AI in game engines benefits developers as well as non-programmers. “With generative AI incorporated into game engines, developers can efficiently get answers on data creation. And non-programmers can easily create game data because the system auto-generates Python code for generating data. Developers can instantly check how that data is presented in games and expand their mindsets by observing data they rarely use.”
Despite tech industry voices touting gen-AI’s potential, the most alluring part of generative artificial intelligence for big-name game studios is, to no one’s surprise, their bottom line. The Microsoft write-up closes with a quote from Takeshi Aramaki, Square Enix’s General Manager of its AI and Engine Development Division. “The cost of the latest GPT-4 is less than when GPT-3.5 first appeared, and the processing power is overwhelmingly greater. With version upgrades, Azure OpenAI Service’s cost performance gets better and better.”
About Nobuo Uematsu
Uematsu, 66, is a self-taught musician. In a 2020 interview with Red Bull Music Academy, the prominent keyboardist explained that he’d never formally studied the medium, but kickstarted his artistic journey by toying and tinkering. “I’ve never studied music. I’ve never studied composition or learned an instrument. I simply wanted to make music by myself, so I started playing around with it.”
The musician’s latest work in gaming was on Level-5’s Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time. Uematsu worked on the chill RPG, released in May 2025, with composer Haruno Ito.
Uematsu cited iconic showman and pianist Elton John’s 1972 record Honky Chateau as a primary inspiration. He adds that music is “like a language” and suggests kids exposed to diverse sounds from early childhood “will naturally be able to understand” the music the same way children in multilingual families or households pick up both languages.
The interview closes with information regarding Uematsu’s ongoing projects, which include original soings, an album, live shows, and potential “overseas activities” in 2026. Fingers crossed for some North American shows!
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