Just when we thought the road to Grand Theft Auto VI couldn’t get any bumpier, Rockstar Games has hit another massive pothole. If you have been following the industry drama this week, you know that the studio recently fired over 30 employees across its UK and Canadian offices. The internet immediately cried “union busting,” but Rockstar has finally broken its silence, and their explanation is… complicated.
According to a statement discussed heavily on Reddit and reported by major outlets, Rockstar claims these terminations had nothing to do with labor organizing. Instead, they allege that the fired staff were caught leaking specific game features and secrets on a public Discord server. In the secretive world of Rockstar, that is the ultimate sin. But is it the whole truth?
The Official Story: Loose Lips Sink Ships
Rockstar’s stance is firm: this was a security breach, plain and simple. The studio stated that the dismissed employees—31 in the UK and 3 in Canada—violated strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) by discussing unannounced mechanics and sharing internal info in a public forum. Given that GTA 6 is arguably the most financially important entertainment product in history, Rockstar’s paranoia is somewhat understandable. They are protecting a multi-billion dollar investment.
However, the timing is suspicious. These firings come right as the studio is grappling with yet another delay. We recently learned that the game’s release window has shifted from Spring 2026 to November 19, 2026, a move that has reportedly tanked morale internally. Cleaning house right after a delay announcement? It’s a classic, albeit brutal, corporate move.
The Union’s Rebuttal: A Convenient Purge?
The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) isn’t buying Rockstar’s story. They have accused the studio of “union busting,” pointing out that many of the fired staff were active members or organizers within the union. According to the IWGB, Rockstar fired these employees without providing concrete evidence of the leaks or allowing union representation during the dismissal meetings.
The situation has escalated so much that it has reached the highest levels of government. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently called the mass firing “deeply concerning” and pledged that ministers would investigate whether Rockstar violated UK employment laws. When the Prime Minister is commenting on your HR policies, you know you have messed up.
What This Means for GTA 6
For us gamers, the big question is: How does this affect the game? Losing 34 developers might not seem like a lot for a studio of thousands, but the chaos and low morale are the real killers. A toxic work environment leads to burnout, further delays, and ultimately, a worse game.
With the release date now pushed to late 2026, Rockstar is clearly trying to tighten the ship. But if they are fighting legal battles with unions and the UK government while trying to polish the most ambitious open world ever made, that November deadline is looking shakier by the day.
Conclusion
Whether you believe Rockstar’s security claims or the Union’s busting allegations, one thing is clear: the development of GTA 6 is a drama worthy of its own HBO miniseries. As we inch closer to 2026, let’s just hope the team can finish the game without any more casualties—virtual or professional.
FAQs
Why did Rockstar fire these employees?
Rockstar claims they were fired for leaking confidential game features and secrets on a public Discord server, violating their contracts.
What does the union say?
The IWGB union claims this was “union busting,” alleging that Rockstar targeted union members and fired them without proper evidence or representation.
Is GTA 6 delayed again?
Yes, recent reports indicate the game has been delayed from its Spring 2026 target to November 19, 2026.
How many people were fired?
A total of 34 employees were let go: 31 from the UK office (Rockstar North) and 3 from the Canadian office.
Is the government involved?
Yes, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has commented on the situation, calling it concerning and promising an investigation into potential employment law violations.