Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu will no longer compose the original soundtrack for an entire game, based on the latest information.
Speaking during an interview, well-known Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu shared that he will no longer compose the original soundtrack for an entire game. He said that he would rather use this time to work on other projects that he is fond of. This essentially means that role-playing game Fantasian, which was released on Apple devices two years ago in 2021, is his final full game project.
Fans need not be disappointed, however, as Uematsu will still compose music for games, only that he’ll now be doing so in limited capacity. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is set for release later this month on February 29. 2024, and it features a rearranged version of his classic soundtrack for the original Final Fantasy 7 that was released 27 years ago in 1997.
For the new soundtrack featured in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Uematsu has contributed a new theme song called “Promises to Keep”, which has been sung by Lorren Allred. However, the remaining soundtrack has been done by other composers.
In 1986, Nobuo Uematsu joined Square, where he crossed paths with Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. Their collaboration spanned numerous games within the Final Fantasy franchise. Departing Square in 2004 after nearly two decades, Uematsu established his production company and music label, Dog Ear Records. As a freelancer, he continued composing for various games, including those from Square Enix and Sakaguchi’s Mistwalker studio.
Uematsu’s game scores have led to numerous soundtracks and arranged albums. His compositions have been showcased during Final Fantasy concerts. Additionally, he served as the keyboardist for The Black Mages during the 2000s, reinterpreting his Final Fantasy pieces into hard rock arrangements. Following the disbandment of The Black Mages in 2011, he formed the Earthbound Papas as its successor. Uematsu’s contributions have earned him recognition, including listings in the Classic FM Hall of Fame.