Rockstar’s dismissal of 34 Grand Theft Auto 6 developers in October 2025 has escalated into one of the most significant labor disputes in the studio’s history. The company maintains that the workers were removed for gross misconduct, but recently surfaced details paint a far more complicated picture—one that employees argue is rooted in union suppression rather than disciplinary action.
A Major Unionization Effort Collides With Sudden Firings
The controversy centers around a private Discord server organized by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The server had reportedly been active since 2022 and included both public and private channels discussing workplace conditions, unionization, and industry news. According to former employees, the server followed clear rules about what could legally be shared, focusing on wages, working conditions, and company decisions.
Weeks before the firings, IWGB membership within Rockstar North had surpassed 200 workers—roughly 10% of the studio’s workforce. This number is legally significant, as it meets the threshold required to request formal union recognition and begin collective bargaining. The dismissal of 34 members sharply reduced that percentage, which is why the affected developers immediately labeled the move as deliberate union busting.
The “Slack Purge” and Employee Backlash
Events escalating toward the dismissals reportedly began in early October, when Rockstar removed several non-work Slack channels. Categories such as pets, hobbies, music, and gaming were suddenly shut down, with management allegedly citing unprofessional behavior and workplace distractions.
Employees criticized the decision on the IWGB Discord server, referring to it as a “Slack purge.” The #misc-gaming Slack channel, which was specifically used for sharing industry news, had become a cultural hub in the studio—especially due to the symbolic use of the seedling emoji, a subtle sign of solidarity for workers impacted by layoffs across the industry. Some dismissed developers believe this symbolism and its growing popularity internally was part of what Rockstar wanted to suppress.
The Seedling Emoji and Its Cultural Weight at Rockstar
Over time, the seedling emoji became a quiet emblem of support among staff. Workers used it to acknowledge mass layoff news and express camaraderie regarding unionization efforts. The emoji reappeared later during protests, where fired developers held signs featuring the symbol.
Former staff members told investigators that they believed the closure of the #misc-gaming channel was intended to suppress this developing expression of solidarity.
Stricter Slack Rules Introduced, Including Limitations on Status Messages
Around the same time, Rockstar reportedly introduced new restrictions on Slack usage, including limitations on emojis in status messages. While the company never explicitly banned the seedling emoji, many employees felt the change was a direct response to its growing use.
Another internal initiative attempted to draft a collective letter opposing the removal of the miscellaneous Slack channels. Discussions surrounding this effort were also held in the union Discord server.
The Email That May Have Triggered the Investigation
The most contentious element of the dispute appears to be a Slack policy email sent by Rockstar after 5pm UK time—outside the normal window where employees are allowed to access work email due to confidentiality rules. Because many workers were unable to see it immediately, its contents were shared in the union Discord server.
One user reportedly photographed the email from their office screen, used an OCR tool to transcribe it, and posted the full content. Rockstar allegedly viewed this as a breach of internal security policy, especially given the company’s sensitivity regarding leaks following previous GTA 6 incidents. According to the report, another member of the Discord server informed management about the discussions, prompting Rockstar to investigate the server’s contents.
Less than three weeks later, 34 developers were terminated.
Unionisation vs. “Gross Misconduct”
Rockstar continues to assert that the employees were dismissed for leaking confidential information. However, several former staff members interviewed in the recent report argue that the Discord server never circulated company secrets, and that its discussions were consistent with standard labor organizing.
Some affected developers had been with Rockstar for over a decade. Others were on work visas and now face the possibility of removal from the UK, adding urgency to the union’s response.
The IWGB launched legal action in mid-November, demanding reinstatement of all dismissed workers. If Rockstar refuses, the union plans to pursue unfair dismissal claims.
A Growing Industry-Wide Labor Issue
The situation at Rockstar highlights the increasing tension between game studios and unionization efforts across the industry. While the company has declined to comment on the latest allegations, the dispute continues to grow, raising serious questions about workplace culture, employee rights, and the future of organized labor in game development.
For now, the case stands as one of the most significant union-related controversies the GTA developer has ever faced—and one that could set precedent for studios across the global games industry.
