The gaming world was recently shaken by reports of sudden layoffs at Rockstar Games, affecting numerous employees who have since been protesting outside Rockstar North. The dismissals have sparked controversy, with allegations of union-busting surfacing as the workers had just achieved a 10% agreement to unionize. Meanwhile, Rockstar defends its actions by claiming the employees were leaking information, although the workers dispute any evidence of such misconduct. In the midst of these tensions, the fate of Grand Theft Auto VI, now expected on November 19, 2026, hangs in the balance as the affected employees hope for reinstatement to continue their work on the game.
The Fallout from Rockstar’s Decision
The situation escalated when the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused Rockstar of targeting the employees due to their unionization efforts. The affected workers, expressing their dismay, revealed that the layoffs were executed without proper procedure or representation, leading to potential damage to their future career prospects. “If I have gross misconduct on my CV, on my resume for the rest of my life, that is a huge detriment to any future career prospects,” shared Bran, one of the laid-off employees. Despite the challenges, their goal remains to return to Rockstar and complete their work on the ambitious Grand Theft Auto VI project.
Union Support and Legal Action
Fred, an organizer from IWGB, emphasized their immediate goal: the reinstatement of all affected workers in the UK and Toronto, along with full compensation for lost wages. He stressed the need for accountability from Rockstar and adherence to employment laws. “It’s clear accountability for the way these dismissals have been handled, these very clear, unfair dismissals without procedure,” said Fred. The union has already submitted legal claims, signaling that the next move is up to Rockstar. The public sentiment appears to support the workers, and pressure is mounting for the company to resolve the issue amicably.
Timing and Industry Reactions
The timing of the layoffs is particularly perplexing, considering the studio’s need for experienced workers during the final stages of a major project like Grand Theft Auto VI. With the UK on the brink of passing the Employment Rights Bill, which strengthens worker security, some speculate that this may have been a calculated move. Meanwhile, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has praised the work culture at both the publisher and Rockstar, although he remained silent on the specific issue of the layoffs.
The core of this story is the tension between Rockstar and its former employees, as they fight for their rights and strive to return to their beloved project, Grand Theft Auto VI.
