Rockstar is taking a stab at the music download business, using Grand Theft Auto IV as the weapon. Yahoo writes today that Rockstar Games and Amazon have partnered to bring digital downloads of the game's radio tracks to the GTA playing masses, using protagonist Niko's cell phone and the newly announced Rockstar Social Club as part of the delivery method.

Whenever you hear something from the 200-plus song soundtrack you dig, send a text message via your virtual mobile phone to a "ZiT" number. Amazon will build a custom playlist of the songs you like, if you're also registered via the Rockstar Social Club. Sure, it sounds a bit clunky, but also a bit cool. The MP3s are reported to be DRM-free, meaning the soundtrack from GTA IV can become the soundtrack for any other game that supports custom playlists. More details on the whole synergy shebang over at Yahoo Videogames.

GTA IV Unveils New Music Download Model [Yahoo]

4:20 PM on Thu Mar 27 2008
By Michael McWhertor
19,667 views
25 comments

Comments

Mr.SithNinja at 04:55 PM on 03/27/08
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Now that is pretty damn sick! Nice feature.
Konchu at 04:56 PM on 03/27/08
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As long as the game still lets you use your own songs for custom sound tracks. 360 wise I think its a given though it would still be nice to be supported as you get the effects and processing on the custom music in game to make it seem like it is coming out of the radio.
mikemil828 at 04:58 PM on 03/27/08
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Interesting way of breaking the Fourth Wall
InsidiousTuna at 05:02 PM on 03/27/08
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Not something I'll use much, but an excellent feature nonetheless.
mgy at 05:10 PM on 03/27/08
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This game just keeps getting more and more exciting.
ggodo at 05:11 PM on 03/27/08
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This is truly what will make me buy this game

sarcasm
Arttemis at 05:11 PM on 03/27/08
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@Konchu: I completely agree. The original Xbox had "user radio stations" that played any mp3 on your hard drive (with an occasional radio ad between songs), and obviously every PC version as well.
This definitely needs to be released via DLC soon after the release if it's not part of the retail copy. I'd love to be able to play streamed mp3s from my computer in-game as well.

I can't say I'm enthused at the thought of having to pay "$.89-.99 per song (as the link says) that I can hear perfectly fine in-game.
Nexus6 at 05:12 PM on 03/27/08
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Thats pretty damn sweet.
joelface at 05:14 PM on 03/27/08
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its a cool feature, but im more of a download-music-for-free type of guy.

hey, im an asshole like that, but it suits me just fine.
Mr.SithNinja at 05:16 PM on 03/27/08
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@Arttemis: I agree I don't like paying per song but I love the technology behind it. They took an already cool feature of the custom soundtracks and upgraded it.
MCWHAMMER at 05:30 PM on 03/27/08
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Ingenious.
karmakid at 05:30 PM on 03/27/08
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So in theory one can spend over 260+ dollars on this game... hope they off packs or some kinda compolation this.

I can see why there wouldnt be any DRM cos theres no way of transfering it off a console, unless theres other method that I'm aware of.
karmakid at 05:32 PM on 03/27/08
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Lol damit auto spelling ftl >.<
Detre at 05:35 PM on 03/27/08
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@karmakid: More then likely they will release the songs on CD aswell, and it will more then likely be far cheaper then buying them individually. I think this is more for people who are riding around and just hear a song they have to have. Text the number pay the .99 and all is good. I know i wish there was other things that did that like movies (cant think of how that would work) I dont know how many times ive been watching a movie and a awesome song comes on but i have no clue what its called and suprise suprise its not on the soundtrack or the movie doesnt even have a soundtrack.
joelface at 06:02 PM on 03/27/08
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@Detre:
Special edition: The game will be presented in a metal safety deposit box also containing an art book, a soundtrack CD, a keychain with keys to the box, and a Rockstar-branded duffel bag.

ya. so they already announced the soundtrack cd.
GodzillaVsJapan at 06:39 PM on 03/27/08
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I really like the concept of this idea. But I imagine if you wanted to get the songs from this game you're probably gonna buy the special edition which includes the soundtrack(like me). And if you just like one or two songs you're probably just gonna download them.
Frank at 07:45 PM on 03/27/08
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Wait...how will we know which song corresponds to which number? Will it be listed on Amazon or will there be an indicator in the pause menu?
deferred at 07:45 PM on 03/27/08
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I can already stream custom soundtracks from my PC using Windows Media 11... what's so great?

Am I missing something?
Crosswayboy at 07:46 PM on 03/27/08
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@joelface: Last time I checked you couldn't fit 200+ songs on a single CD. Try 13+ CDs.
TheEngineer at 08:44 PM on 03/27/08
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So what's the point if this isn't free? I can download all the songs from GTAIV for free anyway, so why do I need this?
TouchMyBox at 08:48 PM on 03/27/08
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The real news here is that the reviews are already starting to trickle in!!!

+ Watch video
NoBullet at 08:48 PM on 03/27/08
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crazy
flukielukie at 01:44 AM on 03/28/08
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This game will be remembered in gaming.. for bringing past movie standards... This will be big. I'm proud to be a gamer at the moment.
lilaliendog at 07:45 AM on 03/28/08
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they should re-release classic games with this ability I would mind shelling out a few coins for some mario or sonic tracks of old.
lawyer at 05:08 PM on 05/06/08
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honestly, kinda long way to go if u gonna find out several songs. Heres whole tracklist

[www21.brinkster.com]