Grand Theft Auto VI maker denies union sackings claim

Rockstar Games has denied a union claim that it targeted workers for trade union activity, as the Grand Theft Auto VI maker prepares to face an employment tribunal in Glasgow over the dismissal of 31 workers.

The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain and lawyers for Rockstar Games said the hearing would run from September 10 to October 16.

The case comes before the planned November 19 launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, which Rockstar, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, is developing in Edinburgh.

The 31 employees were dismissed in Britain in October 2025. Rockstar accused them of sharing confidential information, while the IWGB accuses the company of targeting workers because of trade union activities and blacklisting them.

The union also said Rockstar denied the workers “basic procedural protections” by refusing to follow a disciplinary process or provide a right of appeal. According to the IWGB, Rockstar said the employees were dismissed over messages posted on a private union channel on Discord, in breach of confidentiality agreements.

Jason Lewis, a former employee, said in a statement shared by the union that the workers had lost their jobs, income and community after discussing working conditions.

A Rockstar Games spokesperson said the company had been “clear and consistent throughout”. The spokesperson said people in the UK and Canada were dismissed for gross misconduct after sharing confidential company information, not because of alleged trade union membership or activity.

“We reject the claims and will defend them vigorously before the tribunal,” Rockstar said.

The UK employment tribunal system deals with civil employment disputes including unfair dismissal and breaches of employment law rights.

The Grand Theft Auto series has sold more than 470 million copies worldwide since the original game was released in 1997.