Rockstar Games’ operations in the United Kingdom are once again under intense scrutiny following the release of their financial report for the 2024/25 fiscal year (spanning April 6 to April 5). The latest figures highlight a period of immense financial success, though not without its share of controversy.
- Record-Breaking Profits: The company reported a profit of £87 million—the second-highest in its history. Over the past decade, cumulative earnings have now surpassed the £600 million mark.
- Consistently High Revenue: Turnover reached £508 million, marking the fourth consecutive year that the studio’s revenue has exceeded half a billion pounds.
- Executive Payouts: Senior management received £85 million in royalties. The lion’s share of these dividends was allocated to the studio’s founders, Sam and Dan Houser, who remain fixtures among the wealthiest individuals in Britain.
- State Subsidies: Through the Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) program, Rockstar secured over £70 million this year. Over the nearly 12 years since this incentive—designed to bolster local media production—was introduced, the company has claimed a total of £504 million.
It is the heavy reliance on tax breaks that has reignited public debate. These discussions are being fueled by the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), a union currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Rockstar regarding recent staff dismissals.
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This is not the first time Rockstar’s financial practices have sparked outrage. Critics have long questioned why a corporation generating billions from global hits like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to receive such significant taxpayer-funded support.
In a statement provided to The Scotsman, a Rockstar spokesperson defended the company’s position:
“Since the inception of the VGTR in 2014, Rockstar Games has made substantial investments within the UK, creating more than a thousand high-skilled jobs across Scotland and England. Our commitment to local investment has helped position the UK as a global leader in the entertainment industry, contributing significantly to economic growth, innovation, and the development of specialized talent.”
Source: gta.com.ua