In late October 2025, Rockstar Games dismissed 31 members of the Grand Theft Auto 6 development team. The company claimed the action was taken in response to alleged leaks of confidential information shared through a Discord server operated by members of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, noting that some participants were not Rockstar employees. Before issuing the dismissals, Rockstar also removed portions of its internal Slack workspace to reduce what it described as “distractions.”
Political Response
On December 10, MP Chris Murray raised the matter directly with Prime Minister Keir Starmer after meeting with Rockstar. Murray stated that the company did not reassure him that it was complying with employment law. Starmer called the situation “deeply concerning,” reaffirmed that workers have the right to join a union, and confirmed that ministers would investigate the case further.
Union Claims and Legal Action
Weeks after the dismissals, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain filed legal claims accusing Rockstar of union-busting. The claims support allegations from the former staff that they were fired and blacklisted for attempting to unionize. The union has mobilized barristers, caseworkers, and legal officers as part of the ongoing legal action, seeking monetary compensation and additional relief.
Worker and Public Reaction
Protests took place outside Rockstar’s Edinburgh office on November 6 and 18, with additional demonstrations held at Take-Two offices in London and Paris on November 14. Internal support also grew when 220 Rockstar employees signed a letter on November 13 demanding the reinstatement of the 31 dismissed developers. Rockstar has maintained its decision and has not reversed any of the firings.
Commercial Context
The dismissals preceded the announcement that Grand Theft Auto 6 would be delayed to November 19, 2026. After the delay was confirmed, Take-Two Interactive’s share price dropped nearly 10%. Whether the delay is directly connected to the dismissals remains a point of dispute.
