Grand Theft Auto: Vice City has been removed from digital retailers due to a music licensing dispute. The game, well known for its fantastic 80s inspired soundtrack, has disappeared from Steam and similar stores which prompted GTA developer, Rockstar, to comment on a steam forum:
“Due to some music licensing issues, we’ve had to temporarily remove Vice City PC from digital stores. We’ll make it available again as soon as possible.”
The game remains available to download for those who already own the game.
The website Cinema Blend has claimed the block is due to the Michael Jackson song “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” which appears on the station Fever 105.
Music licensing issues are not uncommon, particularly with older games on digital retail sites. The videogame, Hitman: Contracts, for example has never seen a Steam release, in spite of every other title in the series being available, due to the song “Immortal” by Clutch featuring in one of it’s levels.
It is unknown how these current issues will affect the iOS and Android re-release of Vice City, which was due for release at the end of this year.