GTA6: Rockstar fires, union denounces

News reaches us of some new layoffs carried out by Rockstar, but this time we're not talking about cost-cutting, studio closures, or other similar economic issues: the matter could be more delicate and intricate.

Starting from the beginning, we'll say that the news of the layoffs did not come from a press release but rather from a union report identified by our colleagues at Bloomberg: "Rockstar has just orchestrated one of the most blatant and ruthless acts of union aggression in the history of the gaming industry - accuses Alex Marshall, president of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) - This blatant disregard for the laws and lives of the workers who make them billions is an insult to their fans and the global industry."

Rockstar and Take-Two respond to accusations: "Just Cause"

The response from the home of GTA, and specifically from its owner Take-Two, was not long in coming: these were targeted dismissals related to misconduct by the affected employees towards the software house and therefore falling under the hypothesis of "immediate dismissal for just cause".

"We are committed to creating the world's best entertainment IPs by giving our excellent creative teams positive work environments and opportunities for professional growth - a company spokesperson told Kotaku - Our culture is focused on teamwork, excellence, and kindness. Rockstar Games has terminated relationships with a small number of individuals due to their misconduct and for no other reason. As always, we fully support Rockstar's ambitions and approach."

But what misconduct are we talking about? Take-Two does not specify, but according to Marshall, the only fault of the dismissed individuals - all members of the Scottish studio Rockstar North - was frequenting a private Discord group linked to the union initiatives of the IWGB, which they are part of or were considering joining.

Now, presumably, the ball will pass into the hands of the lawyers.
Meanwhile, the whole world eagerly awaits the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, which has been postponed from the current Autumn 2025 to May 26, 2026.