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A major storm is brewing in the gaming world as Rockstar Games, the powerhouse behind Grand Theft Auto, finds itself in the eye of a labour controversy. Recent leaks from a private Discord server have revealed internal discussions at Rockstar, which coincided with the abrupt dismissal of more than thirty employees. The firings, the leaked chats, and union-rights allegations are all converging to create a serious reputation risk for one of the industry’s most beloved studios.
The revelations centre around a Discord server created by some Rockstar staff in 2022, initially meant for informal discussion but later tied to union-exploration efforts. According to insiders, members shared concerns about studio culture, communication policy changes, and workplace conditions rather than any confidential game details. However, the company responded by launching a sweeping internal review, culminating in the dismissal of at least 34 staff on grounds of “gross misconduct.” The timing and profile of those fired, many reportedly active in the chat group, have fuelled accusations that the studio is targeting organising efforts.
Rockstar asserts the terminations were purely rooted in confidentiality breaches, insisting that the staff in question were leaking internal information. On the other side, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and many current employees claim the real reason was union organisation. Over 220 staff members have since signed a letter demanding reinstatement for those fired and transparency from the company. Protest plans in major cities like London and Edinburgh have already been announced.
The leaks themselves supply vivid snapshots of internal unrest. One message read: “I would really like to see the evidence for them being that much of a productivity hit… I can’t imagine it being worth the absolute dumpster fire that will be for morale.” Another bluntly dismissed the studio’s claims: “The productivity point is a load of sh*t and everybody knows it.” These exchanges were uncovered as part of a deeper investigation into how the studio monitored internal communication and whether union-supportive groups were under surveillance.
Adding another layer, the terminations occurred just weeks before the highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, placing further pressure on the studio. Some employees on visa sponsorships reportedly face career and immigration uncertainty as a consequence of the sackings. Legal complaints have been filed, and this is now considered one of the most significant labour disputes in the games industry in recent years.
What started as a quiet chat server for devs has escalated into a public showdown about workers’ rights, the role of unionisation in creative industries, and how major gaming studios manage internal dissent. With the world watching, Rockstar’s next move and whether the fired staff are reinstated or replaced could set a precedent for the entire video-games workforce.
