Grand Theft Auto 6 Licensing Dispute: Martyn Ware Slams Rockstar's 'Extremely Low' $7,500 Offer

Martyn Ware, co-founder of the synth-pop band Heaven 17, has publicly rejected an offer from Take-Two Interactive Software Inc‘s TTWO Rockstar Games to license the group's hit song “Temptation” in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6).

Ware voiced his frustrations on social media, describing the fee offered as "extremely low" and accusing Rockstar of undervaluing the contribution that the track could make to the game's much-anticipated soundtrack.

See Also: You Won’t Believe The Best Gaming Soundtrack Ever: Rolling Stone’s Top 25 Revealed

The Offer And Ware's Response

Rockstar's offer of $7,500 for the use of “Temptation” was not only a one-time buyout, but it also came with no future royalties, according to Ware.

"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," Ware tweeted. "Naturally excited about the immense wealth that was about to head my way, I scrolled to the bottom of the email re the offer…”

He continued: "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*** yourself."

The Impact Of Music In Grand Theft Auto

Rockstar is known for its expansive and carefully curated soundtracks, which have become a defining feature of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

With its in-game radio stations playing a wide variety of licensed tracks, the music in GTA games has often been celebrated for adding depth to the overall gameplay experience.

Although Ware referenced a figure of $8.6 billion in potential revenue for GTA 6, this figure is speculative as the game has not yet been released. However, it's clear that expectations are high for the next installment in the franchise.

GTA 5 has sold over 200 million copies and generated billions in revenue, making it one of the best-selling games of all time.

Read Next:

• Another Rapper Confirms Appearance In GTA 6: ‘Ima Be On There, Don’t Even Trip’

Image credits: Shutterstock.