Rockstar Games faces Glasgow tribunal over alleged union blacklisting
The developer denies claims that 31 UK workers were unlawfully fired for union activity, citing GTA 6 leaks instead.
Rockstar Games is appearing before the Glasgow Employment Tribunal to address allegations that it unlawfully dismissed 31 UK-based employees in October 2025. The case centers on whether the developer targeted workers for union activities or fired them for breaching strict confidentiality agreements.
In total, 34 employees were dismissed across two countries in October 2025, including 31 in the UK and three in Canada. The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) union alleges that Rockstar engaged in blacklisting, claiming the company compiled lists of union members to determine who to terminate. One affected worker, Will Mesilane, was forced to return to Australia after Rockstar withdrew his work visa and reported him to the Home Office.
Rockstar Games has denied the allegations, stating that the dismissals were the result of gross misconduct. According to a company spokesperson, the employees were fired for sharing confidential information regarding Grand Theft Auto VI features, progress, and timelines within a Discord channel that the company asserts was not private. The spokesperson emphasized that the company will defend itself "vigorously," maintaining that the actions were unrelated to trade union membership.
High-Stakes Confidentiality
The legal battle unfolds as Rockstar prepares for the November 19, 2026, release of Grand Theft Auto VI. The studio is widely recognized for a zero-tolerance policy toward leaks and a rigorous approach to secrecy. Simultaneously, the IWGB has been negotiating for formal union recognition at the studio, pushing for protections against post-release layoffs, an end to "crunch" culture, and increased pay transparency.
Former employee Jason Lewis noted that workers did not expect that discussing working conditions would lead to such severe professional and personal upheaval. Alex Marshall, President of the IWGB, characterized the company's actions as an attempt to "get away with Grand Theft Employment Rights."
Industry Implications
The outcome of the Glasgow tribunal could establish a significant legal precedent for labor rights within the UK's gaming and tech sectors. If the tribunal finds that Rockstar engaged in blacklisting or unlawful dismissal based on union activity, it would mark a major victory for organized labor against one of the industry's most powerful and secretive entities.
What's Next
The final hearing at the Glasgow Employment Tribunal is scheduled to run from September 10 to October 16, 2026. The proceedings will determine if the dismissals were a legitimate response to security breaches or a strategic move to stifle unionization efforts ahead of the year's biggest game launch.