Grand Theft Audio? The tricky business of music and gaming

Music plays a significant role in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) gaming experience, enhancing the enjoyment for players. Recently, Martyn Ware, a well-known musician from the synth-pop band Heaven 17, made headlines when he rejected an offer from Rockstar Games, the creators of GTA. The company wanted to use his hit song 'Temptation,' which reached the top ten in 1983, in the upcoming GTA 6. Martyn took to social media to express his disappointment, revealing that he and his fellow songwriters were offered a total of $22,500, which would amount to about $7,500 each after fees. He described this offer as 'pathetic,' especially considering the immense profits generated by the previous game, GTA 5, and noted that Rockstar was unwilling to negotiate for a higher payment. While many supported Martyn's stance, some suggested that the band might have missed an opportunity to connect with a new audience through the game. nnTo understand how music is incorporated into games and films, artists typically enter into agreements known as synchronization licenses, or sync deals. These agreements allow their music to be featured in various media, including video games, movies, television shows, and advertisements. Licensing expert Alex Tarrand explained that this system has been in place for decades, but it can be quite challenging to navigate due to a lack of transparency. He noted that sync licenses can vary widely in price, with independent artists sometimes receiving a few thousand dollars, while major artists can command fees in the millions. This ambiguity can lead to confusion, as neither party knows what the other expects in terms of payment. nnWhen a game developer considers using a song, they must think about how it will be integrated into the game. Will it play during the title screen, in a key cinematic moment, or as part of the background music during gameplay? Martyn did not specify how Rockstar intended to use his song, and the company did not respond to inquiries. However, it is assumed that the track would have been included among the many original and licensed songs featured on the in-game radio stations of GTA 6. Martyn highlighted that GTA 5 has reportedly generated $8. 6 billion since its release in 2013. Naomi Pohl, the general secretary of the Musician's Union, which represents around 35,000 individuals in the UK music industry, expressed her understanding of Martyn's reaction to Rockstar's offer. She stated that it is frustrating for artists to see the disparity between the money they are offered and the substantial profits generated by the products that feature their music.