8 Best Video Game Trailers That Feature Licensed Music

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Video games can create captivating trailers similar to movies and TV shows to promote themselves. Often, they use tracks from their own soundtracks to highlight various features of the game. Yet, sometimes companies opt for licensed songs, some of which were not originally created for the game. This approach can be questionable, but there are instances where the selection of music is spot-on and creates a magical effect. To acknowledge such trailers, I’ve compiled a list, including those for hypothetical titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Final Fantasy XV.

Just as anticipated, this compilation won’t feature tracks from the game’s official soundtrack or those exclusively produced for it. However, please note that while most entries on this list aren’t covers, there are only three exceptions. It’s important to clarify that we’re talking about original songs, as they’re licensed, not the cover versions. Let’s dive right in and explore the eight top trailers, each accompanied by a licensed tune, presented randomly for your enjoyment.

Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2 – “Hot Together” by The Pointer Sisters

Rockstar Games undeniably has a knack for creating trailers that effectively establish a mood, such as the iconic use of Stevie Wonder’s “Skeletons” in GTA 5. This skill is evident once more in the trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, which incorporated “Hot Together” by The Pointer Sisters. Although we haven’t yet seen raw gameplay footage, the trailer offers a compelling glimpse into the expansive cityscape of Leonida, including Vice City, and hints at the dynamic between protagonists Jason and Lucia. The song “Hot Together” effectively conveys the turmoil and challenges that await these characters as they team up, while also serving as another catchy tune that’s stuck in many viewers’ heads, myself included.

Gears of War Launch Trailer – “Mad World” by Gary Jules

Unlike the other games in this collection, Gears of War wasn’t a series at that time and hadn’t reached its current level of popularity. For many people, their initial encounter with this Xbox-exclusive cover shooter was through its launch trailer. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (also known for the DOOM trailer), the trailer showcased protagonist Marcus Fenix traversing the ruins of Sera and eventually confronting the Locust. The desolate cityscape and sense of courage amidst fear are vividly portrayed throughout the trailer, making it a timeless classic that many remember seeing on TV in 2006. Interestingly, the song was used twice for Gears of War 3 and has since become an enduring favorite among fans, partly due to its association with the trailer.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations E3 2011 Trailer – “Iron” by Woodkid

Despite being considered one of the weaker games in the series, Assassin’s Creed Revelations boasted several impressive aspects, one of which was its E3 trailer. This trailer showcased Woodkid’s “Iron,” and it played during protagonist Ezio’s battle against the Byzantine Templars. Surrounded by visions of Altair, the CGI trailer beautifully depicted the veteran assassin in combat, all while a gentle melody from “Iron” played in the background. The trailer didn’t rely on gameplay or dialogue to convey its message; it simply captivated viewers with its enchanting rhythm and powerful orchestral undertones. Winning multiple awards, this trailer has become a cherished memory for fans reminiscing about the golden age of Assassin’s Creed.

DOOM (2016) Fight Like Hell Cinematic Trailer- “New Noise” by Refused

Speaking about the reboot of DOOM, many agree that one aspect truly sets it apart: its music. The aggressive guitar riffs and heavy metal vibe perfectly match the demonic combat you’ll encounter in the games. Remarkably, this atmosphere was successfully conveyed in the live-action Fight Like Hell trailer, made even more impactful by the inclusion of Refused’s “New Noise”. Director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) did a fantastic job encapsulating the essence of DOOM, from the swift gunfights and gruesome visual style. The trailer managed to portray the game’s universe better than the 2005 DOOM film, and it hinted that the reboot would be worthwhile for fans – a promise it ultimately fulfilled.

Final Fantasy XV Reclaim Your Throne Trailer – “Stand by Me” by Florence + The Machine

As a dedicated fan, I must say, throughout the lengthy evolution of Final Fantasy XV, one brilliant move they made was to incorporate Florence + The Machine for their soundtrack. A shining example can be seen in the Reclaim Your Throne trailer, where Florence Welch and her band grace us with a cover of “Stand by Me”. This powerful piece, dominating the second half of the trailer, beautifully contrasts the intense action and narrative with the heartwarming bond shared by protagonist Noctis and his companions. With its distinctive rhythm and melody, it underscores the fact that, even though the gameplay has shifted from turn-based combat, the camaraderie remains as strong as ever. And trust me, once you’ve heard this tune, it will linger in your mind long after the trailer ends!

Fallout 76 Reveal Trailer – “Take Me Home (Country Roads)” by Spank

The Fallout series has been known for some fantastic classic tunes, such as “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” and “It’s All Over But The Crying.” However, one of the most impactful uses of a licensed song in a trailer belongs to Fallout 76, especially its Reveal Trailer, which featured a cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home (Country Roads)” by doo-wop group Spank. This rendition offered a peek into West Virginia, the setting for the game, and showcased its diverse landscapes. The song told a story of rebuilding and resilience after destruction, and it was both effective and catchy, providing a great uplifting version of “Take Me Home (Country Roads)” before its release.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain E3 2014 Trailer – “Nuclear” by Mike Oldfield

Hideo Kojima, the game director, has consistently shown an exceptional knack for selecting powerful trailer music. The promotion for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain boasted several strong tracks, but none matched its essence quite like Mike Oldfield’s “Nuclear,” featured in the E3 2014 preview. The guitar melodies and gritty vocals harmonized flawlessly with the espionage war motifs, complementing Kojima’s unique editing approach. In addition to its fitting title, “Nuclear” carries intense emotions and depth, which are effectively utilized here as both an action-oriented transition and a symbol for Venom Snake’s mental state. The trailer successfully conveyed the grim reality of war by combining its visual style and tone with the final product’s themes.

Dishonored 2 E3 2016 Gameplay Trailer – “Gold Dust Woman” by Fleetwood Mac

The Dishonored series, developed by Bethesda’s Arkane Studios, was already distinctive due to its striking visual style and engaging stealth-action gameplay. For the E3 trailer of Dishonored 2, they decided to go big and use a rock version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Gold Dust Woman”. The singer behind the cover remains unidentified, but the new take on the classic tune perfectly complemented the introduction of new protagonist Emily Kaldwin and her powerful abilities. Moreover, it effectively showcased how the sequel could surpass its predecessor in terms of size and ambition, both in terms of scale and scope. Although it didn’t receive as many awards as the original game, using “Gold Dust Woman” successfully in a different genre is an achievement in itself.

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2025-05-30 18:45