An emotional moment: Final Fantasy XIV composer talks about fighting cancer – colleagues couldn’t hold back tears

Composer Masayoshi Sokenbest known for his work on the music for a multiplayer role-playing game Final fantasy xiv, announced that he has been battling cancer for a long time. The musician made the corresponding statement during a large-scale event of the publishing house Square enix, dedicated to the Endwalker content extension

As Soken admitted, he was diagnosed with cancer back in March last year, but he kept the news about his state of health in the strictest confidence until now, explaining the situation only to a narrow circle of people. The composer did not want to disturb his colleagues and friends, thus distracting them from working on Final Fantasy XIV.

Masayoshi Soken spent approximately 6-7 months in the hospital undergoing proper treatment. There, with the support of Naoki Yoshida, who led the development of Final Fantasy XIV, and with the help of Square Enix executives, Soken continued to work, producing the music for Patch 5.3 of the Shadowbringers expansion, including composition. “To the edge“.

Focusing on work, as well as the support of colleagues and fans, Soken overcame the difficult process of chemotherapy, and now, with the permission of the doctors, having come to the new presentation of Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, the composer admitted that he had won the fight against the disease – the cancer had gone to almost complete remission.

“Having asked the doctor for permission to participate in the event, I am pleased to announce that the cancer is in almost complete remission. And that is why I am here now. Thanks to the support of Naoki Yoshida, President Matsuda and our team, which provided me with all the necessary And, of course, we must not forget that it was you, the players, who, along with your messages of love, brought me back to life. After all this, I really realized that video games can heal. And now I just have to keep working hard trying to please you with new projects. Thank you so much, “Masayoshi Soken addressed the audience from the stage.

The composer’s speech caused a violent reaction in the hall. He reacted especially sharply to Soken’s revelations. Naoki Yoshida… Unable to hold back his tears, he tried not to look at the cameras, turning his back to them.

You can hear Masayoshi Soken’s speech in the window below (starting with 10:36:20):

Now Masayoshi Soken continues to work on Final Fantasy XIV – he continues to serve as the game’s senior composer, responsible for the music in the upcoming Endwalker expansion.

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