Key facts
- Rockstar Games will release a 34-track Grand Theft Auto 6 soundtrack on CD and vinyl.
- The soundtrack will feature original music from artists including Travis Scott, Morgan Wallen, PinkPantheress, Yung Lean, Fred Again, and Keith Richards.
- Fans have pointed out the irony of a physical soundtrack release alongside a digital-only game release.
- Grand Theft Auto games feature in-game radio stations with licensed and original music.
- GTA 6 will feature a "dynamic score" and an "evolution of in-game radio".
- Previous GTA game soundtracks have boosted artists' streaming numbers significantly.
The announcement of a physical soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto 6 has sparked debate among fans regarding Rockstar Games' decision to release the highly anticipated video game digitally only. The soundtrack, a 34-track compilation featuring original music from artists such as Travis Scott, Morgan Wallen, and PinkPantheress, is set to be released on CD and vinyl concurrently with the game.
Fans have noted the perceived irony of a physical music release for a game that will not be available on disc. Historically, Grand Theft Auto titles have featured multiple in-game radio stations playing licensed music from various artists, alongside original compositions. Rockstar Games has indicated that GTA 6 will incorporate a "dynamic score" and an "evolution of in-game radio" to enhance the player experience.
In the past, inclusion in a Grand Theft Auto game has led to substantial increases in an artist's music streams. For instance, the Pointer Sisters' "Hot Together" saw a significant surge after appearing in a game trailer. Music featured in a recent 26-minute preview also attracted new listeners, with Captain & Tennille's "But I Think It's a Dream" jumping from 70 to 80,744 Spotify streams in a week, and Cliff Richard's "Devil Woman" being streamed over one million times. Prefab Sprout's "Cars and Girls" also experienced a notable increase in weekly streams.
Some artists have previously declined to have their music featured in GTA games. Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release on November 19, with its predecessor, GTA 5, having sold over 200 million copies since its 2013 launch. Rockstar Games is currently involved in an employment tribunal in Scotland, defending itself against accusations of illegally dismissing employees who attempted to form a union.