Ex-Rockstar denies "misconduct" and seeks reinstatement by IWGB

Former employees of Rockstar Games who were laid off in bulk have once again publicly expressed themselves, criticizing the accusations of “serious misconduct” used against them and stating their desire to return to work on GTA VI. The statements, made in a new interview with People Make Games on 11/12/2025, in partnership with the IWGB (Independent Workers Union of Great Britain), represent a critical point in the treatment of industry professionals.

The IWGB confirmed that they have filed a legal action seeking the reinstatement of the 31 dismissed employees in the United Kingdom and three employees in Toronto. The union is also demanding compensation for the lost wages.

One of the union representatives highlighted the goal of obtaining "clear company responsibility for unfair dismissals, without due process or evidence", and ensuring that Rockstar "starts to respect British labor laws". The organizer added: "Now the ball is in Rockstar's court. We hope the company resolves this amicably. It was shocking, something rarely seen, not only in the games industry, but in any union sector in the UK over the past two decades. This is Rockstar's chance to correct the situation."

In the testimonials, the former employees expressed frustration and embarrassment about the way they were dismissed: "If I have 'serious misconduct' on my record for the rest of my life, that is a major obstacle for any future professional," said one of the interviewees. "We all still want to be there, we want our jobs back, we want to finish what we were doing. Being fired under this accusation brings a feeling of shame that is hard to explain."

People Make Games indicated that contacts with the union began before the layoffs, as the group was preparing to formally announce the creation of an internal union. An alleged employee still active at Rockstar had anonymously posted on GTA Forums, accusing the studio of trying to weaken the union organization and of spreading “a lot of misinformation and lies” about the case.

Interestingly, after the layoffs, Rockstar delayed GTA VI to November 19, 2026 (originally May 2026). However, internal reports suggest that the development delay is not directly related to the layoffs.

The IWGB seeks the reinstatement of the 34 dismissed employees from Rockstar Games (31 in the United Kingdom, 3 in Toronto) and compensation following accusations of “serious misconduct”. The former employees deny the accusations and express their wish to return to work on GTA VI. The layoffs coincided with the postponement of GTA VI to November 19, 2026, although the delay is not officially linked to the case.