In recent developments surrounding Rockstar North, the studio known for its iconic game series Grand Theft Auto, former employees have come forward alleging that their dismissal was directly related to their attempts to unionize. Reports suggest that 31 employees were terminated in what Rockstar characterized as “gross misconduct.” The majority of those affected were based at the company’s headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland, where former workers claim they faced repercussions for merely discussing their working conditions within a private online forum.
Rockstar North, while denying any claims linking the layoffs to union activities, stated that the dismissals occurred due to these employees disclosing confidential information, including sensitive aspects of upcoming video game features, in a public setting. The situation has escalated, grabbing the attention of labor rights advocates, including the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which described the incident as a “ruthless act of union-busting.”
Rockstar North stands as one of the largest game development companies in the United Kingdom, and the timing of the firings has raised numerous eyebrows, particularly in the context of the forthcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is anticipated to be among the most successful games ever when it hits the market in November 2026. This heightened scrutiny revolves around the intricacies of workplace environments prevalent in the gaming industry, where developers often sign stringent contracts safeguarding trade secrets.
Protests erupted as former staff gathered outside Rockstar’s offices in both Edinburgh and London, expressing their outrage and solidarity for the dismissed workers. Three sacked employees reached out to BBC Scotland, seeking to shed light on their experiences and the background leading to their sudden job losses.
Jordan Garland, a former senior production co-ordinator who spent 11 years with the company, explained that their collective discussions focused explicitly on workplace conditions, not the details of ongoing projects. He lamented, “It was devastating because it’s an industry that I love, and I think we all love. We couldn’t really see ourselves anywhere else.” Despite the hardships experienced, Garland noted a “strong community element” that has emerged following the firings, indicating a possible silver lining in the unity formed among the former employees.
Similarly, designer Jamie Trimmer articulated the disbelief and sense of loss felt by many after his nearly two-decade tenure at the company was abruptly terminated. He noted the drastic nature of such actions within the industry, recounting that this kind of mass dismissal illustrates a significant need for stronger union representation in gaming.
The overall landscape regarding labor rights and employee protections has come into political focus. During a recent session of Prime Minister’s Questions, MP Chris Murray raised the issue, prompting remarks from Sir Keir Starmer, who voiced his concern over the situation, affirming that every worker ought to have the right to join a union without fearing discrimination or retribution.
As these former employees await the possibility of taking their grievances to an employment tribunal, many remain anxious about achieving their desired justice, which could take as long as a year. They also hope for interim relief that might result in their reinstatement or continued compensation from Rockstar during this arduous waiting period.
The recent events at Rockstar North not only highlight the challenges faced by game industry workers but also raise pivotal questions about the balance between corporate interests and employee rights. Amid the tension, individuals like Sarah Blackburn, a production co-ordinator who lost her job, have expressed appreciation for the support they’ve received from both the public and the political realm, noting how their fight has sparked solidarity from varied sectors. As they navigate through this turbulent chapter, the broader implications for labor rights in the gaming industry continue to unfold, marking a critical moment for advocacy.
