UK Government to Review Rockstar Firings After Prime Minister Labels GTA 6 Union-Dismissals ‘Deeply Concerning’
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vows ministers will investigate mass layoffs of over 30 developers tied to alleged union organising at Rockstar Games
The UK government has intervened after more than thirty developers working on Grand Theft Auto 6 were dismissed by Rockstar Games — a move described by Sir Keir Starmer as “deeply concerning.” During a parliamentary session on December 10, Starmer pledged that ministers will examine the terminations and keep MPs informed as the matter unfolds.
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According to union officials at Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), all those fired belonged to a private union chat group on Discord and had either signed up for or were organising union representation — prompting the union’s accusation that Rockstar’s actions amount to union-busting.
The group claims the dismissals were “unlawful and retaliatory.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two Interactive reject the union’s claim.
They say the affected employees were let go for “gross misconduct,” citing leaks of internal and confidential information as the cause.
“These terminations were in no way related to union activity,” a company spokesperson said, urging that the firings were solely based on policy violations.
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Fired developers and union supporters responded with protests outside Rockstar’s offices and calls for reinstatement.
Some 220 letters have reportedly been sent to management demanding the rehiring of dismissed staff.
The IWGB stated it will pursue “every legal claim possible” to challenge the dismissals.
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Critics and labour advocates argue the timing — on the eve of one of the most anticipated video-game launches ever — suggests a crackdown on organising rather than a simple disciplinary action.
Supporters of the studio’s decision maintain that protecting confidential information is vital, especially after previous leaks from the company.
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With the UK government now formally reviewing the case, the outcome may set an important precedent for union rights in the video-games industry, especially as developers increasingly push for formal representation and better working conditions.
The coming weeks will likely reveal whether the dismissals are upheld or deemed an unlawful suppression of workers’ collective bargaining rights.
:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
According to union officials at Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), all those fired belonged to a private union chat group on Discord and had either signed up for or were organising union representation — prompting the union’s accusation that Rockstar’s actions amount to union-busting.
The group claims the dismissals were “unlawful and retaliatory.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two Interactive reject the union’s claim.
They say the affected employees were let go for “gross misconduct,” citing leaks of internal and confidential information as the cause.
“These terminations were in no way related to union activity,” a company spokesperson said, urging that the firings were solely based on policy violations.
:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Fired developers and union supporters responded with protests outside Rockstar’s offices and calls for reinstatement.
Some 220 letters have reportedly been sent to management demanding the rehiring of dismissed staff.
The IWGB stated it will pursue “every legal claim possible” to challenge the dismissals.
:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Critics and labour advocates argue the timing — on the eve of one of the most anticipated video-game launches ever — suggests a crackdown on organising rather than a simple disciplinary action.
Supporters of the studio’s decision maintain that protecting confidential information is vital, especially after previous leaks from the company.
:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
With the UK government now formally reviewing the case, the outcome may set an important precedent for union rights in the video-games industry, especially as developers increasingly push for formal representation and better working conditions.
The coming weeks will likely reveal whether the dismissals are upheld or deemed an unlawful suppression of workers’ collective bargaining rights.
