Rockstar employees demand recently fired staff get reinstated, accuse studio of ‘union busting’

Rockstar North employees have accused the studio of “vicious union busting” after more than 30 union-affiliated staff were fired, prompting over 200 colleagues to demand their reinstatement amid an escalating legal and public backlash.

More than 200 Rockstar North employees have signed a letter condemning the recent dismissal of over 30 colleagues, accusing the Grand Theft Auto studio of “union busting” and demanding all fired workers be reinstated.

The signatories say the staff who were terminated were active members of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and were in the process of forming The Rockstar Games Workers Union – a group established to push for improved working conditions ahead of the launch of GTA VI.

The letter follows coordinated protests held in London and Edinburgh, with further demonstrations planned in Paris later this month.

One dismissed employee, speaking anonymously, said it was “heartwarming” to see colleagues rally behind them.

They said: “It’s heartwarming to see so many of our colleagues supporting us and holding management to account – during a period where Rockstar want us to feel scared, my brave former colleagues are marching straight up to our boss’s door and demanding our voices are heard and not backing down.

“It’s clear to everyone close to this situation that this is a blatant, unapologetic act of vicious union busting.

“Rockstar employs so many talented game developers, all of whom are crucial to making the games we put out.”

Rockstar has denied the allegations, claiming the firings were due to misconduct, including the leaking of information in public channels.

The IWGB disputes this and has now filed a legal claim against the studio, calling the move “an Amazon-style act of union-busting unprecedented in the games industry”.

IWGB organiser Fred Carter criticised Rockstar’s actions, noting that the company has benefitted from more than £440 million in UK tax relief.

The controversy lands just as Rockstar confirmed GTA VI has been delayed from May to November 2026, with parent company Take-Two Interactive stating the studio needs additional time to achieve the level of polish players expect.