Tracking the key events of Rockstar's dismissal of 34 employees for 'gross misconduct' and the resulting legal action
In October 2025, Rockstar dismissed 34 employees across the UK and Canada for 'gross misconduct' as stated by parent company Take Two Interactive. The dismissals were linked to distributing confidential information in a Discord server operated by The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The IWGB accused Rockstar of union busting, particularly targeting union members in the UK and union-sympathetic employees in Canada.
Rockstar denied that the dismissals were related to union activities, citing breaches of company policies regarding confidential information. Legal claims were filed by IWGB against Rockstar, leading to protests and UK Parliament involvement. The case's implications extend to the gaming industry and the development of Grand Theft Auto 6, raising questions about trade union involvement in game development.
The IWGB accused Rockstar of union busting, while Rockstar maintained that the dismissals were due to gross misconduct involving leaked confidential information. The dispute has led to protests and legal actions, impacting the development of Grand Theft Auto 6 and highlighting the role of trade unions in the gaming industry.
