Rockstar Games Faces Union-Busting Allegations after UK and Canadian Layoffs
Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain says 30-40 staff were dismissed for unionising efforts, while publisher insists terminations were for gross misconduct
The video-game developer Rockstar Games, best known for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, has been accused of targeted dismissals of employees in the United Kingdom and Canada who were either members of, or attempting to form, a union.
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claims that between thirty and forty staff working at Rockstar’s studios were laid off because they engaged in union-organising, describing the move as the “most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.”
According to the union, every individual dismissed was either in the union or part of a private Discord channel used by workers to coordinate union talks, and that some of the affected employees were home to visa-sponsored workers or individuals with medical conditions relying on workplace support schemes.
The union argues the dismissals constituted retaliation for organising rather than a performance-based action.
In response, the parent company Take‑Two Interactive told press that Rockstar’s actions were entirely justified and unrelated to union activity, stating the staff were terminated for “gross misconduct, and for no other reason.” No further details on the allegations were provided.
The company emphasised its commitment to providing a positive work environment and career opportunities for its creative teams.
Industry analysts note the timing of the layoffs is significant: they occurred seven months ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI’s newly announced release date of May 26, 2026. Some labour observers say the scale and selectivity of the dismissals warrant regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the UK where employment laws prohibit dismissals linked to union activity.
The IWGB has indicated it will pursue legal claims for reinstatement and interim relief for the dismissed workers.
The dispute highlights broader tensions within the video-game sector, where large-scale productions place heavy demands on workforce stability and loyalty.
Rockstar has already faced objections from workers and advocates over new return-to-office mandates and fears of renewed “crunch” work culture during key production phases.
The union’s claims add a fresh dimension to the labour debate, and the outcome may shape union organising efforts in creative industries globally.
With formal investigations potentially pending, the case serves as a signal to other studios, unions and regulators about the intersection of union rights and high-stakes game-production timelines.
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claims that between thirty and forty staff working at Rockstar’s studios were laid off because they engaged in union-organising, describing the move as the “most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.”
According to the union, every individual dismissed was either in the union or part of a private Discord channel used by workers to coordinate union talks, and that some of the affected employees were home to visa-sponsored workers or individuals with medical conditions relying on workplace support schemes.
The union argues the dismissals constituted retaliation for organising rather than a performance-based action.
In response, the parent company Take‑Two Interactive told press that Rockstar’s actions were entirely justified and unrelated to union activity, stating the staff were terminated for “gross misconduct, and for no other reason.” No further details on the allegations were provided.
The company emphasised its commitment to providing a positive work environment and career opportunities for its creative teams.
Industry analysts note the timing of the layoffs is significant: they occurred seven months ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI’s newly announced release date of May 26, 2026. Some labour observers say the scale and selectivity of the dismissals warrant regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the UK where employment laws prohibit dismissals linked to union activity.
The IWGB has indicated it will pursue legal claims for reinstatement and interim relief for the dismissed workers.
The dispute highlights broader tensions within the video-game sector, where large-scale productions place heavy demands on workforce stability and loyalty.
Rockstar has already faced objections from workers and advocates over new return-to-office mandates and fears of renewed “crunch” work culture during key production phases.
The union’s claims add a fresh dimension to the labour debate, and the outcome may shape union organising efforts in creative industries globally.
With formal investigations potentially pending, the case serves as a signal to other studios, unions and regulators about the intersection of union rights and high-stakes game-production timelines.
