TLDR
Rockstar Games fired 34 employees for what it called gross misconduct, claiming they shared confidential information in a public forum. Union members and insiders say the real reason was retaliation against growing union activity, as the discussion involved Slack policy changes and workplace conditions, not GTA 6 leaks or sensitive project details. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain has accused Rockstar of union busting and filed a wrongful dismissal case, while protests and employee support continue to grow.
A New Fallout at Rockstar
Rockstar Games is under heavy fire once again, and this time it is not for delays or leaks around GTA 6. The studio recently dismissed 34 workers for what it described as gross misconduct, claiming they shared confidential information on an external forum. But according to the workers, their union, and a detailed investigation by People Make Games, the story is far more complicated.
Screenshots shared by an insider show the messages Rockstar reportedly reviewed before the terminations. None of them appear to contain confidential game details, early GTA 6 information, or anything that resembles a leak. Instead, the conversations show staff discussing internal Slack policies and workplace conditions.
Slack Policy Changes Sparked the Controversy
In October 2025, Rockstar announced new Slack rules. Several non-work channels were removed, including hobby and games discussions. The studio said these channels had become distractions and contributed to poor conduct.
Because many of Rockstar’s UK staff cannot access work email outside the office, only employees who were physically present saw the policy change emails on time. Some of these staff copied quotes from the emails into a private Discord server so others could stay informed.
This Discord server was originally formed in 2022 and included both union and non-union members. After the Slack changes were posted there, one person reportedly approached management to raise concerns. People Make Games reports that this is what triggered an internal investigation, followed by Rockstar gaining access to the server and reviewing its chat history.
Workers Say Nothing Confidential Was Shared
Every insider who spoke to People Make Games said the same thing. They could not recall a single moment where confidential game details were revealed. No GTA 6 information, no technical documents, nothing that could harm the project.
Instead, messages show workers talking about Slack rules, staff bonuses, working conditions, and whether Rockstar had provided examples of the misconduct it was claiming. One employee even asked plainly, “Did they show any examples of misbehaving? Or is this all finger pointing without anything specific?”
According to the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, this kind of conversation is completely normal and legally protected.
Union Leaders Call It “The Most Blatant Act of Union Busting”
Alex Marshall, president of the IWGB, says Rockstar has repeatedly tried to prevent staff from communicating with each other. He told People Make Games that discussing policies, pay, bonuses, and conditions is an ordinary part of workplace life.
Marshall said Rockstar’s response shows it is trying to govern by fear and limit transparency. The union claims this is the most ruthless union-busting action in the history of the games industry.
The IWGB has filed a wrongful dismissal case, accusing Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two Interactive of firing workers for legally protected union activity. Rockstar denies this and maintains its claim that confidential information was shared publicly.
Employee Support Surges Worldwide
The backlash has been immediate. More than 200 Rockstar North employees have signed a letter demanding the fired workers be reinstated. Protests have taken place in London and Edinburgh, with signs referencing Rockstar’s own themes of corporate satire and rebellion.
Fans and game developers online have echoed their support. One commenter summed up the community sentiment bluntly: “Rockstar and Take-Two are acting like the people their games parody.” Others have vowed not to cover GTA 6 until the workers are reinstated.
Even the IWGB confirmed publicly that the fired workers have seen the messages of support and are grateful as they navigate a difficult moment.
What Happens Next
The wrongful dismissal case will now move forward, and Rockstar may face increasing pressure from players, developers, and international labour groups. As excitement for GTA 6 continues to build, the controversy casts a shadow over the studio behind one of the most anticipated games in entertainment history.
For now, the workers remain out of their jobs, the union is pushing forward, and the industry is watching closely.