UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Rockstar North’s Edinburgh headquarters and declared the Grand Theft Auto developer a “great British success story” while touring the studio behind one of gaming’s most profitable franchises. The visit comes as the UK games industry pushes for increased government support and clearer tax incentives, with Starmer praising Rockstar’s contribution to Scotland’s economy and creative sector during his Scottish tour.
What Starmer Actually Said
During his December 2025 visit to Rockstar North, Starmer called the studio “a great British success story” and highlighted how the Edinburgh-based developer creates “thousands of jobs” while producing games enjoyed by millions worldwide. He met with development staff, toured the facilities, and discussed the studio’s impact on Scotland’s tech and creative industries.
Rockstar North, originally founded as DMA Design in Dundee before moving to Edinburgh, has been the primary development house for the Grand Theft Auto series since GTA III. The studio employs over 500 people and contributes significantly to Scotland’s reputation as a gaming hub alongside studios like Ninja Theory and Sumo Digital.
Industry Reaction and Context
The gaming community’s response has been mixed – appreciation for high-level recognition paired with frustration over lack of concrete policy. UK game developers have been campaigning for increased Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) and clearer long-term support as competitors like Canada and Poland offer aggressive incentives that lure British talent abroad.
| Country | Tax Relief Rate | Additional Support |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 20-25% VGTR | Limited, uncertain future |
| Canada | Up to 40% | Provincial grants, visa programs |
| France | 30% | CNC funding, training subsidies |
| Poland | Up to 30% | EU development funds |
Critics note that while Starmer praises Rockstar’s success, the studio has thrived despite UK policy rather than because of it. TIGA, the UK games trade body, welcomed the visit but called for the government to match words with action through enhanced tax breaks and skills training investment.
Rockstar’s UK Impact
Rockstar North represents just one part of Take-Two Interactive’s British operations, but its influence extends far beyond headcount. The GTA franchise has generated over $8 billion in revenue, with GTA V alone selling more than 200 million copies. GTA VI, currently in development at Rockstar North and other studios, is projected to become the most expensive game ever made with a budget exceeding $2 billion.
- Over 500 direct employees in Edinburgh
- Thousands of indirect jobs through contractors and service providers
- Training pipeline partnerships with Scottish universities
- Cultural tourism impact for Edinburgh as a gaming hub
- International prestige boosting UK’s creative reputation
However, Rockstar Games is American-owned through parent company Take-Two Interactive, based in New York. While Rockstar North creates the games, profits ultimately flow to US shareholders rather than staying in British hands – a detail some critics highlight when discussing “British success.”
What Developers Actually Want
Industry leaders responded to Starmer’s visit with specific policy requests beyond photo opportunities. UKIE (UK Interactive Entertainment) and TIGA have outlined priorities including expanded VGTR to match international competitors, guaranteed long-term funding stability, immigration policy that allows global talent recruitment, and education investment in game development skills.
The timing matters – several UK studios have closed or downsized in 2025 amid global industry contraction, including teams at PlayStation’s London Studio and various indie developers. While Rockstar thrives, smaller studios struggle with costs and international competition for talent and investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Keir Starmer visit Rockstar?
December 2025 during a tour of Scottish businesses and creative industries.
Is Rockstar Games actually British?
Rockstar North (main GTA studio) is in Edinburgh, Scotland, but parent company Take-Two Interactive is American.
What support does UK games industry get?
Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) offers 20-25% tax breaks on qualifying development costs, but industry wants increases.
How many people does Rockstar employ in UK?
Over 500 at Rockstar North in Edinburgh, plus additional staff at Rockstar London and other UK locations.
Will this visit lead to policy changes?
Unknown – no specific commitments announced beyond general praise for the industry.
Why does location matter for game studios?
Tax incentives, talent pools, cost of living, and government support drive studio location decisions globally.
What is GTA VI’s connection to this?
Rockstar North is co-developing GTA VI, making the studio highly visible as anticipation builds for the 2026 release.
Talk Is Cheap
Keir Starmer’s praise for Rockstar Games acknowledges an undeniable success story – a Scottish studio creating global entertainment that rivals Hollywood blockbusters. But recognition alone doesn’t pay rent or compete with Canadian tax credits. The UK games industry needs concrete support to match international competitors actively recruiting British talent.
Rockstar North succeeds because of exceptional talent and decades of institutional knowledge, not because UK policy makes it easy. If the government wants more Rockstar-sized success stories rather than losing studios to Montreal or Warsaw, words need to become budgets. Until then, developers will keep watching announcements while filling out visa applications elsewhere.