Grand Theft Auto III made great use of popular music, but you had to buy CDs to get the soundtrack for yourself. This time around, Amazon and Rockstar Games have worked out a deal where gamers have easy access any song they hear in Grand Theft Auto IV.
This really nifty idea for digital music distribution uses the game's cell phone feature. Ars Technica says that players can dial a number on the in-game cell phone at any time they hear something they like from the game's soundtrack. They will then receive a text message giving the song's title and artist information. Those signed up for Rockstar's Games Social Club will receive an email with a link to an Amazon.com custom playlist with their song selections, and these can be purchase, DRM-free, for $0.89 or $0.99.
"Music has long played an integral part of the game playing experience," said Ronn Werre, EVP, EMI Music's Sales, Licensing and Synchronization unit. "We think giving players the ability to identify and buy their favorite tracks from Grand Theft Auto IV's popular radio stations is a great new music discovery tool for fans and an innovative new revenue stream for artists."
This feature to access the over 150 tracks of GTAIV, including "War is Necessary" by NAS, will be available to US gamers only.
Do you see yourself taking a break from gunfire to buy a song in-game?
Dale North is Destructoid's Editor-In-Chief, a founding editor, and specialist in Japanese gaming. An accomplished musician, Dale was reporting from Japan during the earthquakes of 2011. Luckily, he got the fuck out alive and is home in America now with his wife and beloved corgi, Einstein. Dale is also a co-founder of Destructoid's sister anime site
Japanator. Likes Corgis, Sega Saturn, PSP, iPhone, Photographic tools.
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Contest:
10:02 AM on 03.29.2008
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At least we'll be able to stream our own music anyway.
I think it's a great idea.
But I second the /pizza.
While I'm here, do any of you know if the Metal Gear Solid 4 pre-order DVD is available? I keep seeing pictures, but no confirmation. I called my local EB Games a couple nights ago and they didn't know when They'd get 'em. Any info would be nice.
PSN: conorGENOCIDE
I believe they've said it's not available - but it damn well better be some DLC for PS3 and 360 very soon after release!
GTA3 didn't have licensed music, from what I can remember. It was all either public domain or made specifically for the game. I don't think the GTA series had licensed music until GTA Vice City.
I think this is a pretty cool feature. I want to be able to download all the stuff on DJ Green Lantern's station (he confirmed he had a station) as it will probably be good stuff; as well as exclusive to GTAIV. @Justice: I'm a Nas fan.
NAS REPRESENT MOFUCKA!
Also, remember to return Speedy to sender.
I probably wouldn't use it but im sure someone would get great use out of it.
Also u can get the DGraphy of the artist later ;P...or the game's OST,bitch!
Also....what niakori said about big filths's avvy.
My thoughts exactly.