Widespread layoffs in the gaming sector are becoming increasingly common, but the dismissal of staff still attracts attention — particularly when Rockstar Games is involved. According to Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, the company terminated between 30 and 40 employees last Thursday across its UK and Canada offices.
The official explanation cites “misconduct,” but the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claims the firings were linked to workers’ attempts to unionize. Representatives say the dismissed employees participated in a private Discord group and were planning to form a union.
“Rockstar has just carried out one of the most blatant and ruthless acts of union-busting in the history of the games industry. This shocking contempt for the law and for the lives of the workers who generate billions for them insults their fans and the global industry as a whole,” said IWGB president Alex Marshall.
Take-Two Interactive spokesperson Alan Lewis replied that employees were let go “for gross breaches and for no other reason,” emphasizing full support for Rockstar’s policies.
Some sources suggest the dismissals may be connected to tightened security measures following the 2022 leak of GTA 6 materials.
Source: iXBT.games