As the much-anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 approaches its projected 2025 launch, several challenges have already emerged, one of which involves a well-publicized pay dispute concerning soundtrack licensing. Over the years, Grand Theft Auto has evolved into a colossal franchise within the gaming world. One of its standout features is the extensive library of licensed music that enriches the various in-game radio stations, with GTA 5 notably featuring more than 241 licensed tracks. However, as Rockstar, the developer, aims to build upon its predecessor for the Vice City-themed GTA 6, it has encountered some obstacles.
According to VGC, Martyn Ware, one of the founding members of the band Heaven 17, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Rockstar Games proposed $7,500 for the inclusion of their song “Temptation” in the GTA 6 soundtrack. This offer also included a buyout of any future royalties from the game. Ware and Heaven 17 decided to turn down this proposal, likening the offer to being compensated merely with “exposure.”
In subsequent posts, Ware clarified that the $7,500 offer was intended for all three band members, totaling $22,500. He noted that Rockstar was unwilling to further negotiate and argued that $75,000 would be a more reasonable compensation.
Pay Dispute Over Music Licensing Could Be A Bad Look For GTA 6
Fans Have Criticized Both Rockstar And Martyn Ware
While Rockstar’s intention to outright purchase song rights for GTA 6 is favorable for fans—allowing the game to sidestep post-launch music removal patches that affected both GTA 4 and GTA 5—the news of alleged underpayment to artists is less well-received. Although the controversy surrounding Heaven 17’s rejection of the offer may not significantly impact GTA 6 in the long term, other artists adopting a stance similar to Ware’s could potentially reduce the volume of licensed music available on GTA 6’s radio stations at launch.
Interestingly, Ware’s later clarifications regarding the exact offer and his suggested counter-offer have also attracted criticism. Some GTA enthusiasts argue that his original mention of $7,500 was misleading by omission, and that his proposed $75,000 figure is excessive, given the amount of other licensed music in GTA 6. Grand Theft Auto is undeniably one of the most lucrative and high-budget franchises in the gaming sector, and while it could presumably afford higher payments, any offers must likely adhere to a stringent licensing budget.
Why Grand Theft Auto 6 Is Taking So Long to Make
Martyn Ware and Heaven 17, like any artists negotiating compensation for their work, are fully entitled to reject any offer. However, their decision to publicly disclose the rejection has sparked debate, affecting both Rockstar Games and Ware. Currently, further details on Grand Theft Auto 6 are limited, but the disagreement between Rockstar and Heaven 17 suggests a challenging beginning for the game’s music licensing efforts.
Sources: VGC, Martyn Ware/X (1,2,3,4)
Grand Theft Auto 6
Grand Theft Auto VI is an installment in Rockstar Games' wildly successful franchise. Set in a new location after the events of Grand Theft Auto V, VI will see players arrive in a new sprawling city where they can explore the world they want while completing various story and side quests while taking whatever vehicles players desire.
