rockstar Fires Dozens of GTA 6 Developers Amid Unionization Efforts
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – Rockstar North has terminated the employment of approximately 30 developers working on Grand Theft Auto VI, citing a breach of trust following the leak of confidential information. The dismissals have sparked accusations of union repression from the Self-reliant Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), wich supports the affected employees.
The terminations, which began November 1st, involve staff across multiple departments contributing to the highly anticipated title. Rockstar stated the individuals violated the company’s security protocols, compromising its ability to maintain confidentiality surrounding the game’s advancement. The studio and its parent company, take-two Interactive, have been especially sensitive to leaks following a meaningful breach in 2022 that exposed early GTA 6 gameplay footage.
However, the IWGB vehemently disputes Rockstar’s claims, asserting that the firings are a direct response to organizing efforts. The union alleges that discussions among employees centered solely on forming a collective to advocate for improved working conditions and did not involve the sharing of strategic game information. The IWGB has labeled the situation “one of the most blatant and ruthless acts of union repression in the history of the video game industry.”
Former employees have organized protests outside Rockstar North’s Edinburgh offices on November 3rd and 4th, and are planning another presentation on November 6th, demanding the reinstatement of those dismissed.
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of reported internal concerns about potential delays to GTA 6’s planned release date of May 26, 2026. Rockstar’s handling of the situation also draws parallels to the reported “crunch” conditions endured by developers during the creation of Red Dead redemption 2, raising broader questions about labor practices within the industry. no concrete evidence supporting either Rockstar’s or the IWGB’s claims has been publicly released, leaving the matter in a legal and social gray area.
