Rockstar Games could strike before GTA 6 launches over unionization

Rockstar Games employees are attempting to unionize before the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 after a number of devs working on the game were fired.

In late October, Rockstar Games fired over 30 members of staff across studios in the United Kingdom and Canada. The Grand Theft Auto developers were accused of ‘union-busting’ over the firings by The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain, but said they’d come as a result of “gross misconduct” by the former employees.

The firings led to protests outside of Rockstar North’s studio in Edinburgh, Scotland, as well as at Take-Two’s offices in London. Then-UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the firings “a deeply concerning” situation, and pledged to investigate.

Since then, the fired developers have launched legal action against Rockstar, as well as starting a Rockstar Game Workers Union.

Rockstar devs seek formal recognition of union

Now, according to The Guardian, they are seeking official recognition as a union before Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on November 19.

Jordan Garland, who was let go back in October after 11 years at Rockstar, said they were looking to “ensure this sort of thing never happens again, not just at Rockstar but anywhere in the industry.”

Shanti Easton-Steel, production coordinator at Rockstar North, added that the dismissals were “painful” but they believe they are now in a “strong enough position” to “pursue formal recognition.”

According to The Guardian’s report, strike action has been mooted if Rockstar does not move to recognize the union.

The IWGB said that the filing has happened as of June 30.

“Today, we’ve filed for recognition with Rockstar Games, asking Rockstar to meet with their workers to agree a deal for good working conditions, fairness and a say at work. We await Rockstar’s response.”

Rockstar has since responded, with a spokesperson saying: “We are proud that, as a result, our employee retention is well above the industry standard.

“We have received a request from a union seeking to discuss voluntary recognition. We value an open and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders and will arrange to meet.”

They announced that the highly anticipated game is still on track, and will launch at $80 for the standard edition, with a deluxe edition costing $100.

There has also been backlash over Rockstar’s decision to not provide discs in physical copies, instead sending players a digital download code.