Amid widespread industry layoffs in recent years, Grand Theft Auto creator Rockstar Games had largely remained unaffected—until now. Reports confirm the termination of roughly three dozen staff members at its UK and Canadian offices, though the studio claims financial stability. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) alleges these dismissals targeted employees engaged in unionization efforts, calling it a “brazen suppression of labor rights.”
Alex Marshall, IWGB’s president, stated:
Rockstar’s actions represent an unprecedented assault on worker solidarity within gaming. Their disregard for legal protections and the well-being of developers—whose talent fuels their profits—is an affront to both fans and the broader industry.
Despite this aggression, the Rockstar Union stands firm. Members remain committed to fighting for fair treatment while continuing to deliver the games adored globally. Legal action will ensure accountability and seek reinstatement for affected workers.
Spring Mcparlin-Jones, IWGB Game Workers Union Chair, remarked:
With GTA VI projected to earn over $10 billion upon release, prioritizing profits over people reveals a disturbing corporate ethos. Such wealth could address global crises, yet they choose to undermine their own workforce.
Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, defended the firings via spokesperson Alan Lewis, citing “serious policy violations” and full backing of the studio’s decisions. This response follows a Bloomberg report detailing the backlash.
Union drives have surged across gaming studios since 2023, including teams at Blizzard, Raven Software, ZeniMax, and ZA/UM—the latter unionizing under IWGB’s representation. Rockstar’s case marks the latest flashpoint in this trend.
GTA VI remains slated for a May 26, 2026 launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X after a delay from its initial Fall 2025 target. Rockstar’s history of postponements, as seen with 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2, leaves room for further timeline adjustments despite current plans.
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