Rockstar Games Faces Union-Busting Allegations After Mass Layoffs

Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, has come under fire for allegedly targeting union organizers in its recent layoffs. Between 30 and 40 employees across its UK and Canadian offices were abruptly dismissed, prompting accusations from the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) that the studio engaged in one of the gaming industry’s most blatant acts of union suppression.

The IWGB claims the firings were strategically timed to disrupt ongoing efforts to unionize, citing years of industry-wide criticism over exploitative crunch practices. Union president Alex Marshall condemned Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive for displaying flagrant disregard for labor laws and the workers driving their billion-dollar franchises.

This escalation comes as global game studios face increasing pressure to address labor rights. The dismissals have sparked calls for investigations into potential violations of worker protections, with union representatives vowing to challenge what they describe as corporate retaliation against collective action.