UK court backs Rockstar in GTA VI layoffs case, but dispute is far from over

The legal dispute between the UK trade union IWGB and Rockstar Games over the dismissal of GTA VI developers has reached court. In the first round of proceedings, the studio secured a win — but the conflict is far from resolved.

In late October 2025, Rockstar dismissed 34 employees: 31 in the UK and three in Canada. The company said the decision was triggered by the public circulation and discussion of specific features and internal details related to unannounced projects, including GTA VI. IWGB, however, claims that the dismissed staff were members of a private Discord group where employees discussed working conditions and the potential formation of a union inside the studio.

Seeking reinstatement for the workers, IWGB filed a claim against Rockstar and requested emergency financial support through the Glasgow Employment Tribunal. After a two-day hearing, Judge Frances Eccles rejected the request, ruling that the union had failed to demonstrate a direct link between the dismissals and union activity.

During the proceedings, it emerged that the Discord group had around 350 participants, including not only IWGB members but also former Rockstar employees and even a games journalist. The court also noted that three of the dismissed workers were based in Canada and were not union members, making it unlikely they were affected by anti-union actions. Additionally, confidential information was indeed shared in the chat, ranging from GTA VI development details to internal security protocols and release timelines.

Rockstar said it welcomed the court’s decision and expressed regret over the layoffs, while maintaining that its actions were justified. IWGB, in turn, accused the company of covertly monitoring the private Discord group and described Rockstar’s evidence as weak. The union says it remains confident it can prove the dismissals were unlawful and unfair at the main hearing.

A date for the final court session has not yet been set. Separately, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has instructed officials to launch an independent review into the situation surrounding the layoffs at Rockstar.