It was written by Dave Mustaine[1] for inclusion in the 2010 music video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, which was released on September 28, 2010, in North America.

[12] Several weeks later, ultimately after much speculation, the project was reported to be a promotional recording by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine.

[14] A few months later it was confirmed that the song was written exclusively for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, and would be featured in an important part in the game.

[16] It was the first song Megadeth recorded with original bassist Dave Ellefson following the replacement of James LoMenzo in early 2010.

"[18] Later in the same interview he continued, "Only once in my career have I had this happen before," referring to 1991's soundtrack for Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, to which Megadeth contributed "Go to Hell".

[23] The full lyrics were later confirmed and released officially after the release of the song,[24][25] along with official single cover art, featuring the band's iconic mascot Vic Rattlehead falling from the sky with a failed parachute and burning angel wings.

[27] When the player has completed the "Battle with the Beast", they have the opportunity to return to the previous venues and have otherwise beaten the game.

[28] Dave Mustaine co-composed the song as a means of "challenging the Guitar Hero community",[28] and contains portions that he believed were "the most difficult parts" he has written in his life.

[9] "Sudden Death" was nominated against Iron Maiden's "El Dorado", Korn's "Let the Guilt Go", Lamb of God's "In Your Words" and Slayer's "World Painted Blood".