Rockstar Games Faces Union-Busting Firestorm After Firing 34 Workers

Rockstar Games has terminated 34 employees following internal discussions about workplace policies. The mass firing occurred in early November 2025 across its UK and Canadian studios. This action has ignited a major union dispute and legal challenges.

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has filed formal claims against the gaming giant. They allege the terminations are a direct response to union organizing activity. The controversy comes as the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI faces another delay.

The Internal Policy Shift That Sparked Outrage

According to a Game Developer report, the conflict began on October 6, 2025. Rockstar management abruptly changed its internal Slack communication policy. The new rules removed non-work channels dedicated to pets, gaming, and other casual topics.

Employees described the channels as vital for team morale and camaraderie. The company stated these discussions were productivity distractions. This policy shift prompted immediate concern among the workforce.

Union members moved their conversations to a private Discord server. This space was reserved for employees and IWGB representatives. There, they discussed the impact of the new Slack guidelines freely.

From Policy Dispute to Mass Termination

The situation escalated when management emailed the new policy outside business hours. Many employees could not access work systems from home. Some union members in the office shared the email contents in the Discord server.

This act of sharing internal communications triggered a company investigation. Rockstar alleged workers leaked confidential information. The union maintains all discussions occurred in legally protected spaces for labor organizing.

In early November, Rockstar fired 34 workers for gross misconduct. The company stated they violated confidentiality rules. The IWGB immediately condemned the action as union busting.

Legal Repercussions and Industry-Wide Implications

The IWGB filed legal claims on November 12, 2025. They are seeking interim relief which could reinstate workers with pay. The union president called it one of the most blatant acts of union busting in gaming history.

A report by CBC News highlighted the international impact. The firings affected studios in the UK and Oakville, Ontario. This has created a chilling effect for union efforts across the industry.

Just days before the legal filing, Rockstar delayed Grand Theft Auto VI to November 2026. The workforce disruption and ongoing legal battle may have contributed to this decision. The company faces significant reputational damage.

The Rockstar union busting allegations represent a critical moment for labor rights in the video game industry. The outcome of this legal battle could set a powerful precedent for unionized tech workers globally.

Info at your fingertips

Why did Rockstar Games fire 34 employees?

The company cited gross misconduct and leaking confidential information. The union claims it was retaliation for discussing a new Slack policy in a private, protected Discord channel used for organizing.

What is the current legal status of the case?

The IWGB has filed formal legal claims for trade union victimization. They are pursuing both a substantive hearing and interim relief, which could force Rockstar to reinstate workers with back pay pending a full trial.

How does this connect to the Grand Theft Auto VI delay?

Rockstar announced the game’s delay to November 2026 just days before the union filed its legal claims. The significant workforce disruption and loss of 34 staff likely impacted development timelines.

What are the broader implications for the gaming industry?

This case is seen as a major test for unionization in the video game sector. A victory for the union could empower workers at other studios, while a win for Rockstar might discourage organizing efforts.

Which studios were affected by the terminations?

The firings occurred at Rockstar’s studios in the United Kingdom and in Canada, specifically impacting the Oakville, Ontario location where a significant unionization effort was underway.