How to License Your Music for Video Games

Gaming is bigger than Hollywood. With billions of active players and thousands of new titles every year, music in games is no longer just a background detail—it’s part of the experience. Whether you’re an artist, producer, or indie composer, licensing your music for video games can open the door to a massive, passionate audience and real, repeat royalties. But, getting your song placed in a game isn’t as simple as sending an mp3 to a developer.

This guide breaks down how to license your music for video games, avoid the common pitfalls, and make sure you get paid.

Understanding Video Game Music Licensing Basics

What Is Video Game Music Licensing?

At its core, video game music licensing is the process of giving game developers permission to use your music legally in exchange for payment. This is a subset of sync licensing; the term “sync” refers to synchronizing your track with visual content. Unlike film or TV, games are interactive, which adds layers—your music might loop, fade, or respond to player actions.

Why Games Are Different Than Film & TV

Games don’t have a static timeline, and your music might be heard hundreds of times, interactively, or in ways you didn’t anticipate. That’s why licensing terms (especially fees and royalties) need to factor in these unique uses.

Main Types of Video Game Music Licenses

Most commonly, you’ll encounter:

• Sync License: For the “right” to synchronize your music with game visuals or interaction.
• Master Use License: If you control the recording, this covers the specific version used in the game.
• Performance License: Sometimes needed for streamed gameplay or concerts within games.

If you don’t own both the copyright to the composition and the recording (the “master”), you can only license what you actually control.

Common Paths to Get Your Music Into Games

1. Direct Pitching to Developers and Publishers

Many indie studios are open to submissions, sometimes via forums, Discord, or even Twitter/X. It requires hustle and a tailored approach.

• Tip: Research the studio, reference similar soundtracks they’ve licensed before, and explain how your music fits.

2. Music Libraries & Sync Agents

There are agencies and libraries that specialize in video game placements. Examples: Musicbed, Audio Network, and SourceAudio.

• Pros: Wider reach and legal expertise
• Cons: Commission cuts; sometimes non-exclusive deals

3. Networking at Game Jams and Industry Events

Building relationships at local or virtual game jams, GDC, or IndieCade can lead directly to placements and long-term collaborations.

4. Submitting via Game Audio Middleware

Some platforms (like Unity or Wwise Asset Store) now host music packs especially for indie games. This is a growing space for composers and beatmakers to offer modular soundtracks, loops, and even stems.

Key Steps to License Your Music for Video Games

Step 1: Prepare Your Music Assets

• Deliver stem files, loops, and alternate mixes. Game audio is interactive—give developers flexibility.
• Instrumental versions are a must. Lyrics can interfere with game dialogue or mission cues.

Step 2: Register Your Works

• Collect royalties from games by registering your music with your performing rights organization (like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS, SOCAN, or GEMA).
• Register both the composition and master. This is how backend royalties get tracked from game streams, broadcasts, etc.

Step 3: Draft and Negotiate a License Agreement

Every deal should lay out:

• Which track(s) are used and where in the game
• Territory: Just North America, global, or digital-only?
• Duration: Perpetual or limited? Many games want “in perpetuity.”
• Exclusivity: Exclusive or may you license elsewhere?
• Fee: Flat fee, upfront advance, and/or backend royalties.
• Credit: Your name in-game or in the credits.

Example Clauses:

• “Music will be used in the main menu, levels 2–4, and end credits.”
• “The license is non-exclusive and applies worldwide for the life of the game.”

Step 4: Get Paid—Understanding Royalties from Games

There are two main ways you earn:

• Upfront license fee: Sometimes a flat payment for each use.
• Backend royalties: If the game is streamed, broadcast, or played in a public place (like eSports events, YouTube, or Twitch), PROs can collect performance royalties.

Note: Unlike TV/film, many games are “closed systems.” Unless your music is performed publicly or streamed, backend royalties may be limited. However, with eSports, Let’s Plays, and in-game concerts exploding, backend streams are rising fast.

Practical Tips for Indie Game Music Licensing

Don’t Rely on “Exposure” Alone

If a developer says, “We’ll credit you, but can’t pay,” remember: your time, creativity, and copyrights have value. Negotiate at least a small upfront fee or a share of game sales if needed.

Demo Packs: A Foot-in-the-Door Strategy

• Offer a three-song “demo soundtrack pack” for free or discounted rates to student or hobby devs—this can lead to paid placements once a project gains steam.

What to Watch For in Contracts

• Buyout Clauses: Some publishers may want full buyouts (“work for hire”). You lose all future rights—often not worth it unless the fee is significant.
• Royalty Reporting: Make sure you have the right to audit royalty statements.
• Moral Rights & Re-edits: Retain approval for major edits or adaptations to your tracks.

Success Stories: Independent Musicians Breaking In

Undertale, Celeste, and Hollow Knight all built cult followings in part due to their memorable indie soundtracks. The composers behind these games—Toby Fox, Lena Raine, and Christopher Larkin—licensed their work on clear terms, retained rights, and continue to earn from digital soundtrack sales and live concerts.

What Really Matters: Your Sound, Your Rights

Licensing your music for video games can feel intimidating, but it’s less about chasing every opportunity and more about being prepared, professional, and genuinely invested in the game. Treat this like building your catalog, one sync at a time.

Take the time to register your music, know your rights, and deliver high-quality assets. When your track lands in a great game, you’re not just collecting a check—you’re making a mark in a culture that celebrates music as a core part of its DNA.

Action Steps for Musicians Ready to Dive In

1. Prep your music: Create game-ready versions (loops, stems, instrumentals).
2. Register your tracks with your PRO and master rights organization.
3. Research and reach out to devs, sync agents, and libraries.
4. Negotiate fair terms—don’t sign away all rights for pennies.
5. Follow up on statements, collect your royalties, and expand your catalog.

Bringing your sound to video games isn’t just good business—it’s joining one of the most dynamic creative movements today. Get your music out there and let the games begin.