UK Probes Rockstar Firings Over Union Busting Claims

In late October 2025, Rockstar Games dismissed 31 employees working on Grand Theft Auto 6 from its offices in Edinburgh, Dundee, Lincoln in the UK, and Toronto in Canada, prompting allegations of union busting and leading to a government investigation announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The company stated that the terminations were due to gross misconduct, specifically the distribution and discussion of confidential information about upcoming projects in a public forum, which violated company policy and legal obligations. According to a statement from Rockstar provided to media outlets, the affected individuals had shared details including specific game features from unannounced titles. Rockstar has repeatedly denied any connection to union activities, calling such claims false and misleading.

The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents game workers, contends that the firings targeted employees involved in union organizing efforts. Many of those dismissed were part of a private Discord channel where union membership and formation were discussed, according to union representatives. The IWGB has filed legal claims against Rockstar, alleging...