GTA 6 Trailer: Why Tom Petty's Song Choice Still Resonates

Grand Theft Auto 6 has captivated gamers since its initial trailer release, which premiered on YouTube over 500 days ago. This extended period without additional screenshots or gameplay reveals is unusual, exceeding Rockstar's typical marketing strategy. Despite the prolonged wait, the excitement surrounding GTA 6 remains high, largely due to the trailer's effectiveness.

While the trailer provides no specific gameplay details, it introduces the vibrant world of Leonida and establishes a Bonnie and Clyde-esque tone, complete with gas station robberies and exciting nightlife. The trailer's construction is excellent, but the music truly elevates the experience.

The Power of Music in GTA 6

A Perfect Song Selection Instead of opting for a contemporary radio hit, the GTA 6 trailer uses Tom Petty's "Love is a Long Road," a b-side to "Free Fallin'." This choice has deeply resonated with audiences, propelling the song back to a seventh-place position on Billboard's digital rock charts, matching its 1989 peak.

The selection of "Love is a Long Road" pays homage to Tom Petty's status as a Florida native, where the game will take place. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas previously Tom Petty's "Runnin' Down a Dream," further solidifying the connection. The intelligent deployment of the song is even more crucial than the selection itself.

Avoiding Over-Dramatization Many modern trailers rely on heavily edited music tracks syncopated with loud "BRAAAMs" to create dramatic tension. This approach often involves chopping up songs, a technique that can be exhausting when overused. However, GTA 6's trailer avoids this trend, allowing "Love is a Long Road" to speak for itself.

The original percussion provides sufficient energy to the trailer, exemplified by Lucia kicking open a door to the beat. This creates a freewheeling feel that enhances the overall impact. Not every trailer requires world-ending stakes, a lesson that many game developers should take to heart.

Lessons from GTA 6's Trailer GTA 6 is not alone in using music effectively. The Fallout 76 trailer's cover of "Country Roads" is another example of how music can enhance a game's presentation. While that game had its own issues post-launch, the cover song was very well received. While dramatic soundscapes have their place, the Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer feels special in its sonic reverence. With the trailer having dominated discussions for so long, it would be great to see other games embrace a similar approach.