Rockstar Reportedly Offered a Band Super Low Amount to Use Their Song in GTA 6; Band Told Them to “Go F**k Yourself”

Grand Theft Auto 6 is hands down the most anticipated game in the world right now. Every little detail about this title grabs massive attention. The latest news concerns its soundtrack and a song that was a candidate to be part of it—Temptation by the British group Heaven 17. But things took a bad turn when the band rejected Rockstar Games’ offer, feeling the payment was far too low.

In a post on X, Heaven 17’s Martyn Ware revealed that Rockstar Games had offered them a one-time payment of $7,500 to use the 1983 hit Temptation in GTA 6. Ware emphasized that the offer would include no future royalty payments, granting Rockstar the rights to use the song “forever.”

He said:

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 $7,500 – for a buyout of any future royalties from the game – forever.

Many musicians would likely turn down a similar offer, as $7,500 with no royalties hardly compensates for the lifetime rights to a song. While some might argue that “exposure” could justify such an offer, Ware didn’t agree. He dismissed the idea, saying: “Ah, but think of the exposure… Go f**k yourself.”

Ware’s frustration is understandable, especially considering the massive success of GTA 5. The game has made over $8.6 billion in revenue since its launch and continues to sell millions of copies to this day. With more than 200 million units sold, GTA 5 ranks as the second best-selling game of all time, right behind Minecraft.

Considering all this, it seems Heaven 17’s Temptation won’t be making it into Grand Theft Auto 6 unless Rockstar Games returns with a more generous offer. With GTA 6 expected to be another blockbuster, the music budget may need to increase to secure iconic tracks.

It’s worth noting that this is from the band’s perspective, and Rockstar Games has not yet commented on the matter. As more updates emerge, we’ll make sure to keep you informed.

GTA 6 will launch in Fall 2025 and will be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

More GTA 6 Reading:

• Baldur’s Gate 3 Developer Thinks All Games Should Cost More at a Base Level, Says GTA 6 Might Raise Prices Over $70
• GTA 6 PC Version: Take-Two Boss Says Rockstar Will Make “More Announcements in Due Time,” Cites GTA as “#1 Entertainment Property of All-Time
• Take-Two CEO: “Highly Confident” on GTA 6 Fall 2025 Release Window, Rockstar Seeking “Perfection”

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