Even Grand Theft Auto's original creators haven't been able to play GTA 6

Canadian electronic duo Bob Moses, known as Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance, have seen their 2021 song "Inner Light" become a viral hit following its inclusion in the "Grand Theft Auto VI" trailer. The Grammy-nominated artists had no prior knowledge that their music would be used in the highly anticipated game, only receiving an email from their manager with the request from Rockstar Games.

Their song's haunting synth-driven melodies have resonated with listeners, particularly during the trailer's emotional speech about living in one's "glory days." The unexpected success has led to a 500% surge in streams on Spotify, with daily additions to listeners' playlists increasing by over 3,000%. Vallance emphasizes that there's no reliable formula for a hit, as it's a matter of someone liking their song and it being featured in the trailer.

Their manager's payment was modest, but Vallance emphasizes that it's the potential reach that matters most, not the paycheck. Music supervisor Heather Gardner notes that a placement in a gaming behemoth like "GTA" can be valuable even without a hefty licensing fee, as it provides exposure in a saturated industry. The duo, who have long been fans of the "GTA" series, credit their placement in the game as a validation of their career, providing a moment of recognition after years of navigating the uncertainties of the music industry.