Anonymous Rockstar Employee Claims No Leaks Occurred and Layoffs Were Targeted Union Busting

Rockstar Games Faces Union Busting Allegations Following Layoffs

In a recent controversy, Rockstar Games, the renowned developer behind popular franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, has come under fire after terminating 30-40 employees. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain has accused the company of attempting to undermine union activities. Rockstar has refuted these claims, asserting through a spokesperson that the dismissals were due to leaks on a public forum.

Anonymous Employee Speaks Out on GTAForums

A significant development in the saga emerged when an anonymous employee took to GTAForums, one of the largest forums dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series, to express their grievances. This employee’s identity was reportedly confirmed by a GTAForums moderator.

Details of the Termination Process

According to the post, the dismissed employees faced a questionable termination process. HR allegedly invited them in for a brief discussion, only to present termination letters that accused them of misconduct related to Discord conversations, without offering any substantiating evidence. Reports indicate that those summoned were expelled from the premises in mere minutes. Meanwhile, employees who were absent received abrupt phone calls lasting under two minutes, informing them of their termination. Disturbingly, some individuals were reported to be on leave due to illness or surgery during this sudden decision, leaving them in precarious financial situations and jeopardizing their residency rights in the UK.

Timing Raises Union Recognition Concerns

The anonymous post also highlights that many of the affected personnel were longstanding members of the studio’s senior team, including leads, designers, artists, programmers, and producers who had maintained clean records throughout their tenure. The timing of these layoffs has raised suspicions that Rockstar sought to thwart union recognition efforts just as the staff planned to initiate formal negotiations for improved wages and working conditions.

A Call for Support

In a poignant conclusion to their message, the employee warned that if Rockstar faces no consequences for these actions, similar tactics could be repeated in the future. They also encouraged the gaming community to stand in solidarity with the terminated workers by contributing to donation drives organized through platforms like Action Network.

Grand Theft Auto VI Delayed Amidst Controversy

The layoffs and union allegations coincide with Rockstar’s announcement regarding the second delay of Grand Theft Auto VI, now rescheduled for release on November 19, 2026. This delay adds another layer to the studio’s ongoing scrutiny during this turbulent period.

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