The UK game workers union IWGB has fired back at Rockstar Games after the developer defended its dismissal of roughly 31 employees. The union describes Rockstar’s latest statement as “littered with falsehoods and disinformation.”
Rockstar terminated the group of UK-based staff members earlier this year. The workers were connected to a union organizing effort at the studio.
Rockstar maintains the dismissals were justified. The company says the workers engaged in serious misconduct by sharing confidential company information. Reports indicate the alleged sharing happened in a Discord channel used by staff members.
The union disputes this characterization entirely. IWGB Game Workers frames the firings as a “lawless attack” on workers attempting to organize. The union argues Rockstar is using confidentiality claims to mask anti-union retaliation.
The Discord channel in question was reportedly used for union organizing discussions. Some reports suggest the channel included hundreds of members, while only around 30 to 34 people faced termination. This has fueled debate about whether Rockstar selectively targeted union organizers.
UK Members of Parliament have reportedly met with Rockstar representatives about the dismissals. According to statements from those meetings, at least one MP expressed concern about whether proper employment law procedures were followed. The MP stated they left the meeting without clarity on what specific actions warranted immediate dismissal for all 31 workers.
What happens next
The dispute comes as unionization efforts gain momentum across the gaming industry. Workers have increasingly organized over concerns about job security, layoffs, and working conditions. The UK in particular has seen growing union activity among game developers and QA testers.
The case may head to employment tribunals where both sides will present evidence. UK employment law typically requires documented processes for dismissals and proportional responses to alleged misconduct. Immediate termination is legally permitted only for gross misconduct with proper substantiation.
