The United Kingdom’s government is now formally reviewing the recent firing of over 30 employees at Rockstar Games which is a major video game development company best known for developing "Grand Theft Auto" (GTA). The UK government has decided to investigate Rockstar Games' case of firing of 31 employees, this decision was made on December 10, 2025. Prime Minister "Keir Starmer" has responded to concerns raised by 'Labour MP Chris Murray' about whether the firings truly violated UK employment law and workers' rights. Starmer described this situation as "deeply concerning" and said that government ministers will look into the specific case raised by MPs and keep the Parliament informed about it.
The matter has now escalated beyond internal corporate dispute into political scrutiny, as there are ongoing protests outside Rockstar offices, a motion at the City of Edinburgh Council supporting the fired employees, and formal legal claims filed by the IWGB alleging unfair dismissal of Rockstar employees. Starmer's government involvement does not yet constitute charges, but it signals official concern about compliance with 'UK employment rights', especially the right to join a union without retaliation.
Why This Is Happening?
Most of the people know why this is happening to Rockstar company; I have mentioned this situation in detail in my article: For a quick recap, in late October 2025, Rockstar fired dozens of workers (31 employees to be exact) citing "gross misconduct" and the distribution of "confidential information in a public forum". However, the "Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain" (IWGB) alleged that the firings were an act of "union busting" and trade union victimization, as the affected individuals were union members or attempting to organize. Furthermore, legal claims were formally filed against Rockstar by the IWGB for unlawful dismissal.
Later, other reasons for this includes ongoing tensions between the company and its workforce over issues such as - workplace conditions, return-to-office policies, and development pressures on high-profile titles like "Grand Theft Auto VI" (GTA 6). The layoffs also came during a period of public protests and formal motions from local political bodies calling for the fired employees to be reinstated.
When and What Government Action Will Happen?
MP "Chris Murray" raised the issue of the Rockstar firings in the 'House of Commons' and urged Starmer to act. In response, Starmer said ministers would examine this case and report back, stressing the right of workers to join trade unions and the importance of employment law compliance. At this point, a formal legal or regulatory investigation has not been publicly disclosed, and no specific enforcement agency has announced its steps.
However, ministers within the government likely those who are responsible for employment standards and labour rights will soon begin reviewing the facts of the case and whether UK employment law was followed. The timeline for any government action has not been clearly set, but Starmer’s statement indicates the government will actively follow up with the MP who raised this matter.
What Is Still Unconfirmed?
As of today, it is unconfirmed whether Rockstar actually violated UK employment law and on other side, there is no exact evidence supporting Rockstar's claims as well. There is no information regarding the timing and scope of formal government enforcement actions. Whether any employees will be reinstated or compensated still remains as a question.
What are your thoughts on this? Who do you think is right? Let us know your opinion in the comments.