It seems the rift between developers and leadership at Rockstar Games is so significant, a new union has been formed.
Dubbed the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), it is a subsidiary of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The RGWU wasted no time, as it confirmed it is preparing to take Rockstar to court over the firings of 30 developers.
On Bluesky, the RGWU called for “pay transparency, flexible working, and an end to crunch.” It’s also seeking donations to cover the legal fees in its push against Rockstar.
According to Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive, 30 developers violated policies by publicly sharing confidential information. However, the IWGB said this was an example of union-busting on Rockstar’s part.
The 30 developers were engaged in trade union activity prior to their firings.
This matter has caught the attention of UK lawmakers, including UK prime minister Keir Starmer. Back in December 2025, Starmer called the union busting allegations a “deeply concerning case.”
It’s unknown how or if development on Grand Theft Auto VI is affected by the internal strife. Regardless, it’s safe to say the ramifications of this matter have gone far beyond a video game.
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