Rockstar Games, the company known for the Grand Theft Auto series, recently terminated over 30 employees, sparking accusations of union-busting. The firings, which occurred in the U.K. and Canada, have raised concerns about labor practices within the gaming industry.
According to a representative from the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), three workers in Toronto were among those let go. It remains unclear whether these individuals were part of Rockstar’s Oakville, Ont. studio or other locations in the U.K. or U.S.
The dismissals coincided with news of a further delay in the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, with the game now scheduled to launch in November 2026. The IWGB alleged that the fired employees were targeted for their involvement in a private trade union chat group, either as members or supporters of unionization efforts.
In response to the terminations, IWGB President Alex Marshall condemned Rockstar’s actions as a severe form of union-busting within the gaming industry. The company initially cited “gross misconduct” as the reason for the firings but later claimed that the employees were leaking confidential information.
Protests led by IWGB organizers outside Rockstar and Take-Two’s offices in the U.K. highlighted the impact of the layoffs on the affected employees and their colleagues. The Entertainment Software Association of Canada declined to comment on the situation, while labor unions expressed concerns about the treatment of game developers.
The IWGB has taken legal action against Rockstar, alleging unfair dismissal and union-busting practices. The union emphasized the importance of protecting workers’ rights to organize and vowed to defend the terminated employees through legal means.