Employees at Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, are seeking official union recognition following the dismissal of 31 union members last year. The move comes ahead of the highly anticipated release of GTA VI, scheduled for November, which is expected to become one of the bestselling games of all time.
Unionisation efforts gain momentum
Video game designers and other staff at Rockstar are working with the IWGB Game Workers Union to secure unionisation before the launch. Pre-orders for GTA VI reportedly generated $3 billion (£2.27 billion) within the first week. If successful, Rockstar would become the second UK games studio with a recognised union, following ZA/UM, which achieved recognition in October 2025.
The unionisation would provide workers with formal channels for collective bargaining with management, granting union representatives and members additional workplace protections and rights.
Dismissals and legal challenges
Rockstar faced accusations of “union busting” after dismissing 31 union members in October 2025. The IWGB is challenging the dismissals through an employment tribunal, with a final hearing set for September to determine whether workers were unlawfully fired for trade union activity. Rockstar stated at the time that the workers were fired for sharing confidential information, including specific game features from upcoming titles, in a public forum.
Jordan Garland, an employee with 11 years at the company who was let go, said: “We hope Rockstar voluntarily recognises the union; we are inviting Rockstar to meet us and make it a celebration of people who make the games possible.” He added that the unionisation drive aims to “ensure this sort of thing [the sackings] never happens again, not just at Rockstar but anywhere in the industry.”
Industry challenges and worker solidarity
Garland described the video games industry as “layoff intensive” due to “greed.” He noted: “There have been many large acquisitions of smaller studios by big companies, who have so called ‘streamlined’ things. It is the state of the industry and it seems to be getting worse as fewer studios are independent.” He emphasised that millions of players often overlook the workers behind the games, partly because marketing focuses on the product rather than the creators.
If voluntary recognition is not achieved, further organising, including potential strikes, is expected to ensure union recognition.
Statements from union and staff
Shanti Easton-Steel, production coordinator at Rockstar North in Edinburgh, said: “It’s thanks to the hard work of so many of our members – both those currently with us and those who were fired last October – that we are now in a strong enough position to pursue formal recognition. Whilst it’s painful that our dismissed colleagues are not here to share this milestone moment, the best way we can honour their contribution now is by succeeding in the fight they helped us to start, and making them proud to have been a part of it.”
Rockstar has been contacted for comment. The company previously stated: “Rockstar Games took action against a small group of individuals, across the UK and internationally, who distributed and discussed confidential information (including specific game features from upcoming and unannounced titles) in a public forum, in breach of company policy and their legal obligations. Claims that these dismissals were linked to union membership or activities are entirely false and misleading.”
Alex Marshall, president of the IWGB, said: “Many people assumed that Rockstar dismissing 31 union members last year would weaken organising at the company – but in fact the union is now stronger than ever. GTA VI has reportedly already generated more than $3bn in preorder sales. Rockstar bosses can easily afford to sit around the table with the people whose hard work created these games, and give them a meaningful voice in their workplace.”
