Musician slams Rockstar’s $7,500 GTA VI song offer
Rockstar's $7,500 offer for song in GTA VI sparks backlash
A musician has given a blunt response on Twitter to Rockstar Games’ offer to use one of his songs in GTA VI.
Rockstar unveiled the sixth mainline Grand Theft Auto game last December, showcasing the new Vice City setting. The game is scheduled for release in 2025, although recent speculation hints at a potential delay to 2026.
Delays are not uncommon for Rockstar, as evidenced by the prolonged release schedules of Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA V. As the company prepares for GTA VI’s launch, all elements, including the soundtrack, are being finalised.
The band did miss out on being featured in what will be the biggest entertainment product of all time, but let’s not pretend Rockstar’s offer isn’t diabolical.
Paying only $7500 when GTA 6 will make billions is wild, and Rockstar has done it before with GTA 4 and Niko’s actor. https://t.co/DGH0jse0BL
— Detective (@that1detectiv3) September 7, 2024
British music producer Martyn Ware revealed on Twitter on Saturday, 7 September, that Rockstar approached him to feature his track ‘Temptation’ in GTA VI. The 68-year-old claimed the offer was $7,500 for a full buyout of future royalties.
Ware wrote, “I was recently contacted by my publishers on behalf of Rockstar Games re the possibility of using Temptation on the new Grand Theft Auto 6. Naturally excited about the immense wealth that was about to head my way, I scrolled to the bottom of the email re the offer… IT WAS $7500 – for a buyout of any future royalties from the game – forever…To put this in context, Grand Theft Auto 6 grossed, wait for it…$8.6 BILLION. Ah, but think of the exposure… Go f**k yourself.”
Rockstar Games has been contacted for comment.
Excitement for Grand Theft Auto VI is massive, but former Rockstar employee Obbe Vermeij believes fans might be disappointed. Speaking on the YouTube channel Saninplay, Vermeij mentioned, “I don’t think it’s gonna be wildly different from GTA 5. I think people might be a little disappointed on the first day, but it’s still gonna be the best game out there.”
He also noted, “There’s some rumours about creating new technology having to do with animation and AI and all that stuff. I think it’s time for a revolution where animation is more so AI-driven and physics-driven. If anyone is gonna make that step, it’s gonna be Rockstar.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Vice explores the controversy surrounding Rockstar Games’ $7,500 offer to use Heaven 17’s “Temptation” in Grand Theft Auto 6, with Martyn Ware calling the offer “utterly unacceptable.”(read more)
- Reddit reports that Rockstar offered a band to use their song in GTA 6 for $7500, which the band refused, opting for future royalties instead.(read more)
- Push Square reports that Heaven 17, an 80s synthpop band, has declined Rockstar’s offer to include their hit single “Temptation” in the upcoming GTA 6, citing the sum of $7,500 as insufficient.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When is GTA VI expected to release?
GTA VI is expected to release sometime in 2025, though it may be delayed to 2026.
What did Martyn Ware say about Rockstar’s offer for his song?
Martyn Ware criticized Rockstar’s offer of $7,500 for a buyout of future royalties for his song, calling it inadequate.
Which city will be the setting for GTA VI?
GTA VI will be set in a new version of Vice City.
What did former Rockstar employee Obbe Vermeij say about GTA VI?
Obbe Vermeij suggested that fans might be initially disappointed but still see GTA VI as the best game out there.
Why might GTA VI be delayed?
Rockstar’s history of lengthy delays with previous titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA V suggests potential delays for GTA VI.
