Composer Masayoshi Soken Advocates for More References to FF8 in Final Fantasy XIV
Masayoshi Soken, the lead composer of Final Fantasy XIV, shares his desire for additional references to Final Fantasy VIII in the MMORPG.
In a recent interview, Masayoshi Soken, the lead composer for Final Fantasy XIV, articulated his wish for the MMORPG to feature more elements from Final Fantasy VIII if the opportunity arises. Soken clarified that the addition of references is contingent upon how they fit within the game’s overarching narrative.
Soken was assigned as the main composer after Final Fantasy XIV’s troubled launch in 2010. In addition to leading the musical direction for subsequent expansions, he was also behind the soundtrack for Final Fantasy XVI, for which he received accolades for Best Score and Music at the Game Awards 2023.
The current installment of Final Fantasy XIV includes several callbacks to the franchise’s past, such as the Gunbreaker job and the Eden raid series, which are homages to Final Fantasy VIII. Furthermore, the game’s own card game, Triple Triad, originates from Final Fantasy VIII and is continuously receiving updates.
Overall, while there are nods to previous titles, Soken emphasizes that expansion choices must align with the narratives being developed. However, Soken’s hope for more FF8 references shows the potential for expanding connections within the sprawling Final Fantasy universe.
