Rockstar Games, the developer behind the upcoming GTA 6, has now been accused of carrying out “the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry” by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) as the company has fired more than 30 coders and graphic designers recently. According to Bloomberg, the workers whom Rockstar just fired were part of a private trade union Discord channel, and members of the IWGB as well.
In response, IWGB has released the following press release:
“Rockstar has just carried out the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry. This flagrant contempt for the law and for the lives of the workers who bring in their billions is an insult to their fans and the global industry.”
“Despite this calculated attack on workers organising for a collective voice and to improve their difficult working conditions, the Rockstar Union remains undeterred. They will keep organising for respect and better conditions whilst continuing to pour their blood, sweat and creativity into games that are loved by millions.”
“The IWGB will pursue every legal claim possible to ensure our members are reinstated and receive interim relief.”
Publisher Take-Two has released their own public statement via one of their spokesperson, while also laying down that the firings were done cause of “gross misconduct”, among other reasons.
“We strive to make the world’s best entertainment properties by giving our best-in-class creative teams positive work environments and ongoing career opportunities. Our culture is focused on teamwork, excellence, and kindness. Rockstar Games terminated a small number of individuals for gross misconduct, and for no other reason. As always, we fully support Rockstar’s ambitions and approach.”
It’s difficult to gauge the exact reasons for the firings cause Take-Two’s statement is kind of vague and as per as ‘misconduct’ goes, different companies can have different basis for that which doesn’t necessarily include any kind of moral or ethical ground. But historically it has been proven that huge corporations often place profit above people and has been opposed to any form of organization among staffs or workers.
Meanwhile, the entire world is waiting for Rockstar Games’ upcoming Open World behemoth GTA 6 which is currently slated to launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 26, 2026.
