Former Rockstar staff ask fans to buy solidarity shirts, not boycott GTA VI

Former workers fired by Rockstar Games last year are urging fans not to boycott the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI release, instead asking supporters to help fund their ongoing legal battle against the video game developer. The request comes as the group prepares for a final employment tribunal hearing in September 2026.

More than 30 employees were dismissed by Rockstar in November 2025. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, which represents many of the affected staff, has characterized the firings as union-busting activity aimed at stopping worker organization. Rockstar has stated the employees were terminated for leaking confidential information.

In a video released on August 18, 2026, several former employees spoke directly to the gaming community. "We poured years of our lives into helping build this game. We don't want you to boycott it. We want you to help us fight for justice," said Jack Hoxby, a member of the IWGB's games workers branch who was among those fired. "There's no need for that. You can still play the game, if you want to, and support those affected by the firings in more meaningful ways."

The alternative form of support proposed is the purchase of a...