The major developer behind the beloved Grand Theft Auto VI franchise now finds itself embroiled in a serious labour controversy. Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take‑Two Interactive, is being accused of mass firings that a workers’ union claims were a deliberate attempt to suppress union organising efforts. The context? Some 30 to 40 employees across the UK and Canada were terminated on 30 October 2025 — all of whom, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) asserts, were either involved in collective action or part of organising channels like a private Discord chat. PC Gamer+2The Verge+2
What the union alleges
According to the IWGB, the dismissed employees were members or prospective members of the union, and the timing and pattern of terminations suggest “union-busting” behaviour. IWGB President Alex Marshall described the move as “the most blatant and ruthless act of union-busting in the history of the games industry.” The Verge+1 The union is vowing legal action and considers the firings retaliatory — aimed at silencing workers striving for collective voice and negotiating better conditions.
Rockstar’s response
In contrast, Take-Two’s public statement pointed to “gross misconduct” as the motivation behind the dismissals. The company emphasised that the terminations were unrelated to union activities and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering world-class entertainment alongside a positive workplace environment. GamesRadar+
Why this matters
This incident comes as Rockstar gears up for the release of the high-profile Grand Theft Auto VI, expected to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history. Critics argue that the timing raises serious questions: why target union-linked workers just months ahead of such a major rollout? For the broader industry, it may mark a new turning point in worker rights within game development, as pressure over crunch culture, remote-work policies, and developer wellbeing grows.
What happens next
The dispute now moves into legal and regulatory territories. UK and Canadian labour laws around dismissal, union rights and protected activities could become central. The union is already mobilising its “we won’t back down” message and may seek reinstatement or compensation for those dismissed. Meanwhile, reputational damage — particularly among developers and even gamers — could carry longer-term effects for Rockstar.
Final takeaway
While Rockstar remains a gaming powerhouse, this controversy might define it as much for its labour practices as for its blockbuster titles. For an industry that often battles allegations of overwork and insufficient protections, this has the potential to reignite debates about developer rights, union-enabled agency, and how major studios treat their creative workforce.