Former GTA 6 Developers Share Experiences on Rockstar’s Working Conditions During Office Protests

In a significant demonstration outside Rockstar North in Edinburgh, former developers gathered to voice their concerns on what they describe as unjust dismissals and detrimental working environments as preparations for Grand Theft Auto 6 intensify. These individuals allege that recent workforce changes were a strategic move to undermine unionization efforts.

In late October, over 30 employees from studios in Edinburgh, Dundee, Lincoln, and Toronto faced termination. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain claims that these layoffs were an attempt by Rockstar and its parent company, Take-Two, to stifle union activities. However, the company has refuted these allegations, asserting that the dismissals were based on claims of gross misconduct related to leaks of confidential information through a Discord chat.

The urgency of the protests was underscored during a subsequent rally in Edinburgh, where former employees highlighted the broader issues within the studio that were exacerbated by the mounting pressure associated with the forthcoming GTA 6 title. Protestors brandished striking placards emblazoned with messages such as “Grand Theft Wages” and “Unions Ain’t Busted” rendered in the iconic GTA style.

Allegations of “Unreasonable Working Conditions”

One former developer addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for the public to recognize the human cost underlying Rockstar’s success. They articulated that the company had morphed into “a vast international corporation, a machine generating billions for overseas shareholders while existing in an industry plagued by exploitation and unfair practices.” The speaker further criticized the substantial tax incentives that Rockstar has received, designed to foster British values.

Fired GTA 6 devs held a protest outside the Rockstar offices in Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament “GTA 6 will make billions… But I want people to think of the human cost”pic.twitter.com/pssbIt30LK

— dexerto (@dexerto) November 18, 2025

“There’s no doubt that Grand Theft Auto 6 will generate immense profits and enrich shareholders, ” they noted, stressing the overlooked human ramifications.“Many individuals face burnout, disrupted careers, and personal turmoil as a result.” This sentiment extended beyond the confines of Rockstar, identifying the challenges as emblematic of a more pervasive issue within the gaming industry, underscoring the urgent need for stronger worker protections.

The speaker recounted their experience of joining a union, describing the initial fears of feeling undervalued compared to colleagues in other departments.“Joining the union felt risky at first. I worried it could make me a target, as those in QA sometimes do not feel as secure as others.” They voiced that no one should feel apprehensive about union organization in their workplace.

Jack, another protestor, elaborated on the severe aftermath of the layoffs, highlighting the implications for those directly impacted.“The 34 of us who were let go had our lives intricately connected to our jobs at Rockstar, from financial dependencies to healthcare plans, ” he emphasized.“My friends had families to support and stability to maintain, which has now been thrown into turmoil.”

He shared a particularly troubling story of a colleague who lost their job while on paternity leave, just nine days following the birth of her second child.“This situation illustrates the true human cost of these decisions—one that goes beyond mere numbers on a financial statement.”

Support from political figures was evident as a member of the Scottish Parliament, along with a Scottish Government representative, expressed solidarity with the protesting union members and dismissed employees.

In a statement evincing the solidarity among current and former employees, the IWGB announced that over 200 Rockstar staff members have jointly submitted a letter to senior management, advocating for the reinstatement of those who were terminated.

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