Rockstar's termination of more than 30 employees has led to significant protests and controversy involving the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), in Edinburgh. The dismissals have prompted accusations of union-busting from the union.
Protest and Reactions
Protests erupted outside Rockstar North and Take-Two Interactive offices following the layoffs. IWGB has claimed that the dismissals were a blatant act of union busting. Interviews by People Make Games with former developers and IWGB organizers revealed concerns regarding the dismissals and a call for reinstatement and compensation. According to Take-Two, the staff were dismissed for "gross misconduct" related to the distribution and discussion of confidential information. However, IWGB allege this involved a private Discord channel used for labor discussions.
Employee Sentiment and Union Actions
The dismissals have left remaining employees feeling fear and uncertainty. IWGB organizer Fred emphasized the union's demand for worker reinstatement and compensation. The union plans to increase pressure on Rockstar through legal avenues and continued demonstrations.
Company Response and Future Developments
So far, neither Rockstar Games nor Take-Two Interactive has provided additional public comments. Notably, Take-Two has delayed the release of GTA 6 from May 2026 to November 2026, attributing the delay to extra time required for completion. The impact of these layoffs on company operations remains to be seen.
