Update: Nobuo Uematsu, Legendary Final Fantasy Composer, Announces Cutting Back On Game Music Composition

Update: In a post on Twitter this evening, Nobuo Uematsu has clarified that he is not retiring from game music, but rather will “cut back” to make more time for things he wants to work on. You can view his statement below:

 

Wait, wait, wait!
Everybody calm down!
There seems to be some misunderstanding, but I'm not retiring from video game music work!

I'm going to cut back a bit on my video game music work because I want to have more time to make the music I want to make. It would be difficult for… pic.twitter.com/8asDX9UF90

— 植松伸夫 (Nobuo Uematsu) -con TIKI- (@UematsuNobuo) October 16, 2024

Original Article:

For those who are as passionate about Final Fantasy as I am, Nobuo Uematsu needs no introduction. For nearly 40 years, he has shared his extraordinary musical talent across dozens of games, shaping the unforgettable soundtracks that have become synonymous with the Final Fantasy series since 1987. His music is nothing short of legendary, and even if you aren’t a fan, chances are you’ve heard one of his iconic themes at some point in your life.

Today, Uematsu announced that Fantasian Neo Dimension, an upcoming RPG coming to Nintendo Switch later this year, will be his final project as a composer, marking the close of an incredible era in video game music.

 

Watch this special message from #FantasianNeoDimension composer Nobuo Uematsu. pic.twitter.com/2Tk0wawBGF

— FANTASIAN Neo Dimension (@Fantasian_EN) October 15, 2024

 

If it wasn’t already obvious, Nobuo Uematsu’s work has meant a great deal to me growing up and it continues even today. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Uematsu in Chicago back in 2006, where he graciously signed my copy of Final Fantasy VII. That game remains proudly displayed at the front of my collection—a treasured memory and a testament to the impact his music has had on me.

 

 

Over the past decade, Uematsu has toured the globe, conducting Final Fantasy concerts and performing with his own rock band, The Black Mages. While his days of composing for games may be behind him, I’d be surprised if he retired from music entirely. Here’s hoping we’ll get another chance to experience his magic live in the near future.

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