Rockstar Games, the developer behind the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto franchise, has confirmed that the recent dismissal of several employees was due to the unauthorised sharing of confidential company information, not an attempt to suppress unionisation efforts.
According to a company statement, between 30 and 40 employees across Rockstar’s UK and Canadian offices were terminated last week for “gross misconduct.” The company said its internal investigation revealed that the individuals were distributing and discussing sensitive information in an online forum that included non-employees — a clear breach of company policy.
Rockstar emphasised that the decision had “no connection to anyone’s right to join or support a union,” rejecting claims by labour groups that the firings were retaliatory. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents video game industry employees, alleged that all of the dismissed workers were involved in organising union activities at the company. The union described the move as “one of the most blatant acts of union busting” in the gaming industry.
Union leaders said the employees were part of a private online discussion group where the only outsiders were labour organisers. They argued that Rockstar was targeting those advocating for improved working conditions and a collective voice at the company.
Rockstar has maintained a strong stance on data security since the 2022 cyberattack that leaked hours of unfinished footage from Grand Theft Auto VI. Earlier this year, the company required employees to return to the office full-time, citing tighter security needs — a move unions criticised as “reckless”.
The controversy comes as anticipation builds for Grand Theft Auto VI, scheduled for release on 26 May, 2026. Despite the dispute, Rockstar remains focussed on ensuring the successful completion of what is expected to be one of the most profitable video games in history.
