Justice Composes GTA VI Score as Rockstar Unveils Final Trailer

Key points

• Justice composed the original score for Grand Theft Auto VI, succeeding the 2013 collaborative effort by The Alchemist, Tangerine Dream, and others.
• The new track 'Flower in a Hurricane' features a collaboration between Justice, Tame Impala, SZA, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard.
• Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to release on November 19, 2026, after being delayed twice from its original 2025 window.
• Physical preorders are expected to arrive on November 12, 2026, with digital preloads available at the same time.
• The 34-track soundtrack includes nine released songs so far, featuring artists such as Yung Lean, Travis Scott, and Cardi B.
• In-game radio stations will include Bad Bunny's Cocoteo FM, Robyn's Flash FM, and Lana Del Rey's Back Country Radio.

Background

Grand Theft Auto VI is the latest installment in the long-running franchise, which has been a cultural phenomenon since its inception. The game's development has been marked by significant delays, with Rockstar Games citing the need for quality and polish as the reason for pushing the release date from 2025 to November 2026. The franchise is known for its expansive open worlds and detailed soundtracks, which often feature a mix of original scores and licensed music. The previous Grand Theft Auto score, released in 2013, was a collaborative effort involving several prominent music producers and artists. The current development cycle has been supported by a significant increase in Rockstar's workforce, with the company aiming to leverage the infrastructure built for GTA VI to accelerate future development cycles.

How outlets are covering it

Pitchfork focuses on the musical aspects of Grand Theft Auto VI, highlighting the involvement of Justice in composing the original score and the new track 'Flower in a Hurricane' featuring Tame Impala, SZA, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. The outlet emphasizes the cultural significance of the soundtrack and the collaborations involved. USA Today, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive overview of the game's release, focusing on the logistics of preorders, the reasons for the delays, and the broader impact of the game's launch. While Pitchfork highlights the artistic and musical elements, USA Today emphasizes the practical and commercial aspects of the game's release. Both outlets agree on the release date and the significance of the game, but they differ in their focus and emphasis.

Why it matters

The announcement of Justice composing the score for Grand Theft Auto VI and the release of the final launch trailer mark a significant milestone in the game's development. The game's release on November 19, 2026, is expected to be one of the biggest video game releases of the decade, with potential implications for the gaming industry and music industry. The collaborations and contributions from prominent artists and the detailed soundtracks highlight the cultural impact of the game. The delays and the expansion of Rockstar's workforce indicate the company's commitment to quality and the importance of the game in the industry. The release of the game and its soundtrack will likely influence trends in both gaming and music, with potential impacts on consumer behavior and industry standards.

What to watch

The next steps for Grand Theft Auto VI include the official release on November 19, 2026, with preorders arriving on November 12. The game's launch will be accompanied by the release of the full 34-track soundtrack and the in-game radio stations. Rockstar Games is expected to continue promoting the game through various marketing campaigns and events. The company may also announce future development cycles and potential PC releases, which are reportedly scheduled for early 2027. The success of the game and its soundtrack will likely influence future projects and collaborations in the gaming and music industries.