The Best Licensed Soundtracks in Games

Music has the power to elevate a gaming experience from great to unforgettable. While original scores often steal the spotlight, licensed soundtracks—curated selections of existing songs—can immerse players in a world like nothing else. From nostalgic throwbacks to pulse-pounding anthems, these tracks shape the atmosphere, define characters, and even become synonymous with the games themselves. Here are some of the best licensed soundtracks in gaming history.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)

No discussion of licensed game soundtracks is complete without Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Rockstar Games crafted a love letter to the 1980s, filling its in-game radio stations with era-defining hits. From Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean to Toto’s Africa, the soundtrack wasn’t just background noise—it was a character in itself. Cruising through neon-lit streets while Out of Touch by Hall & Oates played felt like stepping into a time machine.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2000)

The Tony Hawk series revolutionized sports games, and its punk-rock-heavy soundtracks became legendary. Pro Skater 2 in particular delivered an explosive mix of high-energy tracks, including Guerrilla Radio by Rage Against the Machine and When Worlds Collide by Powerman 5000. The music wasn’t just accompaniment; it fueled the adrenaline of pulling off impossible tricks and defined an entire generation of skaters.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

While Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts a breathtaking original score, its licensed tracks are used sparingly—yet devastatingly well. The haunting That’s the Way It Is by Daniel Lanois plays during one of the game’s most emotional moments, reinforcing the weight of Arthur Morgan’s journey. These carefully chosen songs amplify the game’s cinematic storytelling.

FIFA Series (Various Years)

EA’s FIFA games have long been praised for their eclectic, globe-spanning soundtracks. From indie rock to electronic beats, each installment introduces players to emerging artists while keeping fan-favorite anthems. Songs like Blur’s Song 2 (FIFA 98) and Kasabian’s Fire (FIFA 09) became synonymous with virtual soccer, turning menus and loading screens into mini-concerts.

Mafia III (2016)

Set in 1968, Mafia III’s soundtrack is a masterclass in period-accurate music. With tracks like The Rolling Stones’ Paint It Black and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Fortunate Son, the game immerses players in the turbulent late ’60s. The music isn’t just nostalgic—it reinforces the game’s themes of rebellion and revenge.

Final Thoughts

The best licensed soundtracks do more than fill silence—they define worlds, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s the synthwave beats of Hotline Miami, the grunge anthems of Guitar Hero, or the soulful blues of BioShock Infinite, these tracks prove that sometimes, the right song at the right moment can make a game legendary.

What’s your favorite licensed game soundtrack? Let us know in the comments!