Rockstar Games — the studio behind the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI — is under fire after reports surfaced of widespread layoffs that some are calling one of the gaming industry’s most blatant acts of union suppression. According to Bloomberg and statements from the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), between 30 and 40 employees were abruptly dismissed on Thursday. The union claims that nearly all of them were either union members or involved in efforts to organize a collective workers’ body through a private Discord group.
“Rockstar has just carried out the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry,” said IWGB president Alex Marshall, describing the move as “a flagrant contempt for the law and for the lives of the workers who bring in their billions.” Marshall added that despite the dismissals, the Rockstar Union remains determined to continue organizing for fair treatment, safer conditions, and professional respect: “They will keep organizing for better conditions whilst continuing to pour their blood, sweat, and creativity into games loved by millions.”
💼 Rockstar and Take-Two Respond. In response to the accusations, Alan Lewis, head of global corporate communications at Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two Interactive, defended the company’s decision. “Rockstar Games terminated a small number of individuals for gross misconduct, and for no other reason,” Lewis said in a statement to The Verge. “Our culture is focused on teamwork, excellence, and kindness. We strive to make the world’s best entertainment properties by giving our creative teams positive work environments and ongoing career opportunities.” Lewis did not elaborate on the exact nature of the alleged misconduct.
⏳ Timing Raises Eyebrows The firings occurred across Rockstar’s UK and Canadian offices, less than a year before Grand Theft Auto VI is set to hit shelves. The long-awaited sequel — already delayed once — now carries a new release date of May 26, 2026, after Rockstar cited the need for “extra time to deliver the level of quality fans expect and deserve.” Critics argue that the timing of the layoffs, combined with the union’s involvement, paints a troubling picture of studio culture and labor relations within one of the most successful game developers in the world.
⚖️ What Happens Next The IWGB says it intends to pursue every possible legal avenue to seek reinstatement and compensation for the dismissed workers. Meanwhile, the gaming community is watching closely — balancing excitement for GTA VI against growing concern over the human cost of making blockbuster titles. As the release countdown continues, Rockstar faces a dual challenge: delivering its next gaming masterpiece while repairing trust among the very people who make those worlds come alive.