Hundreds of GTA 6 developers protest Rockstar over firing of 31 workers

Rockstar Games is facing escalating backlash as more than 200 Grand Theft Auto 6 developers at Rockstar North have signed a letter protesting the dismissal of 31 colleagues.

The letter, delivered to senior management on November 13, demands the immediate reinstatement of the fired employees, who were terminated in October for what Rockstar called “leaking company secrets.”

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has accused Rockstar of “union busting,” claiming the developers were targeted for their involvement in organizing a workers’ union. The union disputes Rockstar’s justification, stating that all communication took place in private, legally protected union spaces, not public forums. The IWGB has since filed a formal legal claim against Rockstar, seeking interim relief and reinstatement for the dismissed employees.

The letter’s delivery coincided with ongoing protests outside Rockstar’s Edinburgh office and Take-Two Interactive’s London headquarters. Fired staff, supporters, and current employees have joined the demonstrations, calling the company’s actions “the most ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.”

One dismissed developer, identified only as Peter, said it was “heartwarming” to see colleagues stand in solidarity. “During a period where Rockstar want us to feel scared, my brave former colleagues are demanding our voices be heard,” he said.

IWGB organizer Fred Carter described the incident as “an Amazon-style act of union busting” and criticized Rockstar for receiving over £440 million in UK tax relief while allegedly disregarding workers’ rights. Another protest is scheduled for November 18 outside the Scottish Parliament, located near Rockstar’s Edinburgh office.