Recently, Rockstar Games is facing formal legal claims from the "Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain" (IWGB) after reportedly firing over 30 employees in the UK and Canada (I have already created an article on this topic "Rockstar Games Fires Employees Before GTA VI Launch"). The union argues these dismissals were retaliatory, targeting workers involved in union organizing via a private Discord server. According to IWGB, the terminations amount to "victimisation and collective dismissal linked to trade union activity." Now, the union has declined to accept Rockstar’s explanation that the firings were about "gross misconduct and alleged leaks of confidential information". The IWGB also claims that some of those dismissed were particularly vulnerable which includes employees with visa sponsorships and those with medical conditions as well. Now, protests have been organized, and pressure is building not only in the courts but in public and political arenas too. I think for a studio gearing up for the huge launch of 'GTA 6', this controversy could pose reputational, legal, and financial risks.
Facts, Allegations and Statements:-
As we already know that on 30 October 2025, Rockstar Games terminated between 30 and 40 employees in its UK and Canadian offices. But, IWGB claims that "over 30 members" of Rockstar’s UK staff were dismissed in what it describes as a "calculated attack on workers." and according to 'union organizers', many people who have been fired were part of a private Discord chat group used for labor organizing. On 12 November 2025, IWGB issued formal legal claims against Rockstar, arguing that the dismissals were totally unfair, constituting collective victimisation, and blacklisting as well. The IWGB stated that they have also attempted to engage Rockstar in negotiation, but the company refused, and this forced the union’s legal team to escalate.
The union also argues that even though the group was hosted on Discord, such private spaces used for union organizing are legally protected, and Rockstar’s contracts or policy clauses do not override that protection. However, Rockstar and its parent company 'Take-Two Interactive' claimed that the firings of employees were due to "gross misconduct". which means, the company alleges the terminated workers were "distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum", which violated internal policies of the organization and according to 'Take-Two', the dismissals were not related to union activity. Now if we look at the current situation, protests have been organized following the dismissals, and including demonstrations outside Rockstar offices. Now, this issue has drawn the attention of 'UK politicians' and according to "Wikipedia", some 'UK Members of Parliament' have criticized Rockstar’s approach.
What Is Still Rumour:-
Even after all this information, we still don't know the exact reason for the employees being fired, Rockstar Games and IWGB provide two different reasons, but it is still unconfirmed which one is true. Some voices (including anonymous employees / community commentary) speculate that these firings may affect the development schedule or quality of GTA 6 and we already know that Rockstar recently delayed GTA 6 again. However, Rockstar has not yet publicly acknowledged a causal link between dismissals and the game’s reported delay. It’s not yet clear if Rockstar will settle, litigate vigorously, or be forced into a tribunal.
What do you guys think of these recent protests, and legal claims issued by IWGB against Rockstar? Will Rockstar be able to defend itself? What do you think the reasons behind the firings of employees might be? Let us know your own opinion on this current situation in the comments.