Insights from Masayoshi Soken on Composing for Final Fantasy XIV
In a recent interview by Square Enix, renowned MMORPG composer Masayoshi Soken opened up about his creative process behind crafting the soundtracks for Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV). This engaging discussion delved into the intricacies of how Soken composes music for various expansions and storylines, shedding light on some of the unconventional methods employed by his band, The Primals.
Composing in the Dark: A Unique Approach
Soken revealed that he typically works without direct access to visual updates or expansions for FFXIV. Instead, he relies on a collaborative approach where the development team provides him with essential details, story synopses, and desired emotional tones. This insight helps him weave together a musical tapestry that enhances the narrative experience within the game.
“Most of the time, the quest and story cutscenes aren’t ready when I start composing. Of course, I’m given the overall synopsis and progression of how the story goes at the beginning of development. The planners and writers go into minute detail when we discuss where the emotional beats are going to be. For fights, I talk to the team in charge of battle content. I aim to provide a suitable accompaniment to the game content.”
Cultural Influences Shape the Soundtrack
According to Soken, each expansion in FFXIV boasts its unique ambiance, which significantly influences his compositions. For instance, in the Heavensward expansion, with its striking cathedral-like architecture, he incorporated instruments like the pipe organ and harpsichord to evoke the setting’s grandeur. While Soken aims for musical consistency throughout an expansion, he allows room for creative variation to reflect its diverse themes.
“Each expansion has its own distinct setting. For example, Heavensward featured many cathedral-like buildings, so I incorporated pipe organ and harpsicord instrumentals. I didn’t necessarily take the same approach to the whole expansion, but I tried to maintain that same essence to the music throughout.”
Easter Eggs for Fans: A Nod to Previous Titles
Soken’s work also includes weaving familiar melodies from earlier Final Fantasy titles into the FFXIV soundtrack. He explained that this creates a bond with longtime fans, as recognizable motifs from games like FFIII find their way into the new compositions, enhancing the experience for players. These musical references serve as delightful easter eggs, enriching the narrative landscape of FFXIV.
“Another important aspect of FFXIV’s music is the inclusion of arrangements of integral musical themes from other FF titles in the story. To give an example, the sections of FFXIV inspired by FFIII have the original game’s obbligato melody, the main theme, in the music.”
Determining Vocals: A Playful Decision
In discussing vocal assignments, Soken shared a light-hearted anecdote about how The Primals decided who would take vocal duties for their song, “What Angel Wakes Me, ” from the King of Faeries Titania theme. This collaborative spirit is emblematic of the band’s dynamic and creativity.
“When it comes to band arrangements, songs with female vocals are always hard to adapt for an all-male group like The Primals. We have to adjust the key, which isn’t too difficult, but getting the right nuance across is something I struggle with for every arrangement.”
“What Angel Wakes Me was a doozy… We were recording the backing instrumentals when someone asked, ‘So who’s going to sing this?’ We ended up playing rock-paper-scissors to decide, and GUNN lost, so he had to sing. One of us had to do it, after all.”
Listen to The Primals’ Performance
To hear The Primals’ rendition, you can check out their version of “What Angel Wakes Me” here.
Recent Collaborations and Future Endeavors
In addition to his work on FFXIV, Soken has also contributed to the wrestling world with the composition of Kenny Omega’s entrance theme for Wrestle Dynasty in January 2025. This reflects his versatility as a composer and his ability to engage with a variety of artistic platforms.
Final Fantasy XIV Availability
Players can enjoy Final Fantasy XIV across multiple platforms, including the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, making it accessible to a diverse audience of gamers.
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