Mixtape Game Won't Be Removed Due to Music Licenses

Mixtape game has 28 licensed songs that will be available forever, unlike other games that sometimes get removed. This means you can play it anytime.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Music Licensing |

Publishers Assure Longevity of Critically Acclaimed Game Amidst Licensing Concerns

Developers and publishers of the recently released game, Mixtape, have publicly stated that concerns regarding its extensive use of licensed music leading to potential delisting are unfounded. The rights to the 28 licensed tracks, spanning various artists and eras, have been secured in perpetuity, meaning the game will not be removed from digital storefronts due to expiring music agreements.

This clarification comes in response to fan apprehension, a sentiment amplified by the game's rich soundtrack. The developers, Beethoven & Dinosaur, in conjunction with publisher Annapurna Interactive, have emphasized that the licensed music is not merely an accompaniment but is fundamentally woven into the fabric of the game's narrative and design. This integration is cited as the reason behind the absence of a "streamer mode," a feature common in games with licensed music that typically replaces or removes copyrighted tracks to avoid infringement on streaming platforms.

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No, Mixtape won't be delisted because of its licensed music - 1

"The licensed music is so integral to the game that removing it or replacing it with other tracks would compromise the heart of the story it’s trying to tell."

The game, which follows three high school friends on their final night together, uses its curated playlist to trigger dreamlike reenactments of formative memories. This approach, while praised for its ambition and its soundtrack featuring artists like The Smashing Pumpkins, Devo, The Cure, Portishead, and Silverchair, has also fueled speculation about its long-term availability. However, the developers have made it clear that this "licensing nightmare" was navigated with a permanent solution.

Mixtape is currently available on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, and is also part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate catalog. The decision to pay for the music licenses "in perpetuity" was a deliberate choice to ensure the game's sustained presence and to avoid the common pitfall of digital titles becoming unavailable due to lapsed licensing deals. This move, according to the game's creative director, Johnny Galvatron, directly refutes any claims that the game would face delisting.

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"That was a lie."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the Mixtape game be removed from stores because of its music?
No, the game Mixtape will not be removed from digital stores. The developers have secured the licenses for all 28 songs permanently.
Q: Why is the music in Mixtape important?
The music is a key part of the game's story and design. Developers said removing or changing songs would hurt the game's message.
Q: Which platforms is Mixtape available on?
Mixtape is available on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. It is also on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Q: What does 'licenses in perpetuity' mean for Mixtape?
It means the game's music rights are permanent, so the game can stay available to buy and play forever without being taken down due to old music deals.