Rockstar Games developers form first union in UK
The Rockstar Game Workers Union, a subsidiary of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, is seeking funds for legal defence while focusing on pay transparency and working conditions ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI’s launch.
Developers at Rockstar Games have announced the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union, marking the first labour union at the Grand Theft Auto developer. The union, a subsidiary of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, represents staff across all UK offices, including locations in Edinburgh, London, Leeds, Lincoln, and Dundee. The group is focusing on pay transparency, flexible working and an end to crunch.
The announcement follows the dismissal of 31 union members in October 2026, which the union described as union busting, while Rockstar cited gross misconduct. The union is going public to raise funds for legal defence against unfair dismissal claims, with the case currently pending in court.
Rockstar stated the dismissals were due to 'gross misconduct' involving the sharing of confidential information. The IWGB characterised the firings as 'the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry'. Protests were held outside several Rockstar studios following the dismissals.
A UK employment tribunal denied the fired workers interim pay in January 2026, but the case remains pending in court. The union’s public profile coincides with the highly anticipated November launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, owned by 2K.
It is unclear whether Grand Theft Auto VI will launch as scheduled in November or face further delays. The extent of public and industry reaction to the union’s activities during the game’s launch window is speculative. The outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings regarding the unfair dismissal claims is unknown.
