Rockstar Sharpens Allegations in GTA 6 Developer Firings, Disputing Union-Busting Claims
The dispute between Rockstar Games and a union representing several fired Grand Theft Auto VI developers has intensified. Rockstar has provided more detailed allegations, firmly stating the late 2025 terminations were solely for leaking confidential information, not for union organizing—a claim the union strongly denies.
The conflict centers on the firing of 34 employees across Rockstar’s UK and Toronto studios. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) labeled the actions as union-busting. Rockstar’s initial response cited breaches of confidentiality via a union-operated Discord server.
Now, Rockstar has expanded its explanation. A company representative stated the dismissed individuals “distributed and discussed confidential information (including specific game features from upcoming and unannounced titles) in a public forum.” The company emphasized that claims linking the firings to union activity are “entirely false and misleading.”
A significant new allegation from Rockstar is that the private Discord server contained members who were not employees, including a game journalist and an employee from a rival development studio. The company argues this underscores the public and risky nature of the discussions.
Rockstar maintains that other employees on the same Discord server who advocated for union membership but did not leak information remain employed. The company also confirmed internal reports prompted the investigation, stating concerned employees within the server alerted management to the leaks.
The IWGB has forcefully rejected this updated narrative. Union Communications Officer Jake Thomas stated they are unaware of any specific game features being leaked. Regarding the journalist, Thomas clarified the individual was a union representative and game worker participating in that capacity, not as media.
“The same applied to every member of the server’s Rockstar employee channel,” Thomas noted. In a formal statement, the IWGB accused Rockstar of spreading “falsehoods and disinformation” and “reverse-engineering” justifications for the dismissals.
In a pointed retort, Rockstar responded to the union’s rebuttal by telling IGN, “As we suspected and as evidenced by the response to our statement, they have no idea who was in this Discord,” suggesting the union lacked full oversight of the server’s membership.
The case has drawn high-level attention, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning” and indicating a government investigation is likely. The IWGB has begun legal proceedings against Rockstar, demanding reinstatement for the fired workers and fundraising for a legal challenge.
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With both sides entrenched in contradictory narratives, the path forward appears headed for a legal resolution, casting a shadow over the ongoing development of one of the world’s most anticipated games.
Source: actionnetwork