Rockstar fires 34 unionizing devs over Slack policy changes, union fights back

Rockstar Games fired 34 employees in late October 2025 amid unionization efforts. The GTA 6 developer claims they violated company policy. A UK labor union accuses the company of union-busting. The dispute has sparked legal action and widespread controversy in the gaming industry.

🔥 Quick Facts:

• 34 employees fired in late October 2025 across UK and Canada offices
• Rockstar claims firings were for “gross misconduct” over leaked company information
• IWGB union filed legal claims in November 2025 alleging union-busting
• Slack policy changes removing non-work channels allegedly triggered the conflict
• GTA 6 release delayed to fall 2026 amid developer unrest

What Sparked the Controversy

In early October 2025, Rockstar Games implemented major changes to its internal Slack workspace. The company removed non-work-related channels where employees discussed games, pets, and personal topics. This move came just as unionization efforts were ramping up.

According to multiple reports, employees began discussing the policy changes on a private union Discord server. They shared screenshots and messages about Rockstar’s new restrictions. But here’s where it gets contentious—management gained access to these Discord conversations. Rockstar claims this constituted leaking confidential company information.

By late October, the firings started (around the 30th). All 34 terminated employees were reportedly union members or supporters. The independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) immediately accused Rockstar of union-busting. The timing was no coincidence—the union had just recruited over 10% of Rockstar’s UK workforce.

Union Fights Back With Legal Action

The IWGB didn’t back down quietly. In November 2025, the union filed formal legal claims against Rockstar Games in British courts. They’re alleging victimization and collective dismissal linked to trade union activity. According to IWGB statements, this represents what one leader called “the most ruthless act of union busting in the history of the UK games industry.”

Former employees have started speaking publicly about their experiences. They described being fired for discussing workplace conditions and supporting union efforts. Some claimed their “sole purpose had been to finish” the game before being let go. The firings hit just months before the GTA 6 launch, raising questions about development timelines and worker morale.

“Yesterday, Rockstar Games unfairly fired over 30 employees for union activity. We won’t back down, and we’re not scared—we will fight for justice.”

The Details: Timeline and Claims

Here’s the verified timeline of events based on industry reporting:

Date	Event
Early October 2025	Slack policy changes implemented; non-work channels removed
Mid-October 2025	Union reaches 10%+ recruitment milestone at UK studios
Late October 2025	34 employees fired; management cites “gross misconduct”
November 5, 2025	IWGB union publicly accuses Rockstar of union-busting
November 12, 2025	IWGB files formal legal claims in UK courts

Rockstar’s official position states the firings were unrelated to union activity. Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar’s parent company) maintains that employees were terminated for sharing confidential company information in a public Discord forum. The company emphasizes these were disciplinary actions for policy violations, not retaliation.

However, the timing raises eyebrows. Firing 34 employees right as union organizing hit critical mass looks suspicious to many observers. Plus, the company’s decision to remove casual conversation channels? That arguably created the exact conditions they later cited as grounds for dismissal.

What This Means for the Industry

This situation matters way beyond Rockstar Games alone. The gaming industry has struggled with labor organizing for years. Crunch culture, burnout, and long hours are industry-wide issues. But major studios have rarely faced this kind of coordinated unionization push.

The IWGB’s legal action could set precedent for worker protections in game development. If the union succeeds, it sends a message that companies can’t simply fire unionizing workers using vague misconduct claims. The court case will likely drag through 2026 and beyond.

Meanwhile, other studios are watching closely. This dispute demonstrates what happens when workers organize while major releases approach. Developers at other companies now see both the risks and necessity of collective bargaining.

Will This Impact GTA 6?

The firings happened just months before GTA 6’s planned release window. Rockstar delayed the game to fall 2026 shortly after. Whether the firings directly caused this delay isn’t confirmed. But losing 34 developers during final production can’t help development schedules.

Some former employees have claimed they were explicitly hired to “finish the game” before being terminated. This suggests management expected them to complete their work before letting them go. If true, it paints a darker picture—recruit workers specifically for crunch, then fire them once the job’s done.

The controversy has definitely hurt Rockstar’s reputation. Over 220 current employees have reportedly signed petitions demanding reinstatement for the fired workers. That kind of internal dissent doesn’t help workplace morale or productivity heading into final production weeks.

Watch the courts. The IWGB has momentum, legal grounds, and public sympathy. Rockstar has official policy on its side but questionable optics. The outcome could reshape how game studios handle unionization attempts going forward.

Want to dive deeper? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the entire situation:

The next months will be critical. Court dates are set. More employees will likely testify. And the gaming world is paying attention to see if workers can finally get legal protection from retaliation.

Sources

• BBC News – Coverage of union accusations and Rockstar’s response
• PC Gamer – Analysis of union-busting claims and industry impact
• The Guardian – Reporting on the legal dispute and worker statements

Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.