GTA VI developer accused of union busting in mass firings
In a controversial move, Rockstar Games, the renowned developer behind the highly anticipated *Grand Theft Auto VI*, has reportedly terminated between 30 to 40 employees, sparking outrage and accusations of union-busting. According to the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), all the dismissed employees were part of a private Discord chat dedicated to union organization, with many being current union members or actively attempting to form a union within the company. This mass firing has been labeled by IWGB president Alex Marshall as “the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry,” highlighting the growing tensions between labor rights and corporate practices in the gaming sector.
Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has defended the firings, claiming they were executed for “gross misconduct,” although specific details regarding the alleged misconduct were not disclosed. The terminations affected staff across Rockstar’s offices in both the UK and Canada, coinciding with a critical period as the company prepares for the release of *Grand Theft Auto VI*, now scheduled for May 26, 2026, after a delay from its original fall 2025 launch. Marshall condemned the actions as a blatant disregard for the law and the welfare of workers, emphasizing that this incident reflects a broader issue within the gaming industry regarding worker rights and the treatment of employees who seek collective bargaining power.
Despite the firings, the IWGB has vowed to continue its fight for the rights of the workers involved, promising to pursue every possible legal avenue to secure their reinstatement and seek interim relief. Meanwhile, Alan Lewis, head of global corporate communications at Take-Two, asserted the company’s commitment to fostering a positive work environment, emphasizing that the culture at Rockstar is built on teamwork and excellence. However, the stark contrast between the company’s public image and the recent actions against its employees raises significant questions about the true nature of workplace conditions in the gaming industry, especially as it grapples with increasing scrutiny over labor practices amidst a backdrop of immense financial success.
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Rockstar Games, the developer of
Grand Theft Auto VI
, fired between 30 to 40 employees on Thursday, as previously reported by
Bloomberg
. According to the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), all of the employees fired were part of a private trade union Discord chat and were either already union members or attempting to organize a union at Rockstar.
“Rockstar has just carried out the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry,” IWGB president Alex Marshall said in a statement provided to
The Verge
.
Alan Lewis, head of global corporate communications at Rockstar parent company Take-Two Interactive, responded, telling
The Verge
the firings were “for gross misconduct, and for no other reason,” without elaborating further.
The firings were spread out across Rockstar offices in the UK and Canada. They come just seven months ahead of the release of
Grand Theft Auto VI.
The game’s launch was originally scheduled for this fall, but a few months ago, Rockstar
delayed its release
until May 26th, 2026, saying, “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) president Alex Marshall:
“Rockstar has just carried out the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry. This flagrant contempt for the law and for the lives of the workers who bring in their billions is an insult to their fans and the global industry.
Despite this calculated attack on workers organising for a collective voice and to improve their difficult working conditions, the Rockstar Union remains undeterred. They will keep organising for respect and better conditions whilst continuing to pour their blood, sweat and creativity into games that are loved by millions.
The IWGB will pursue every legal claim possible to ensure our members are reinstated and receive interim relief.”
Alan Lewis, head of global corporate communications at Take-Two Interactive:
“We strive to make the world’s best entertainment properties by giving our best-in-class creative teams positive work environments and ongoing career opportunities. Our culture is focused on teamwork, excellence, and kindness. Rockstar Games terminated a small number of individuals for gross misconduct, and for no other reason. As always, we fully support Rockstar’s ambitions and approach.”
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Tech & AI news.
