The Rockstar Game Workers Union breaks cover
UK-based developers at Rockstar Games have publicly announced the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), a subsidiary of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The announcement comes amid ongoing legal disputes stemming from the studio’s October 2025 firing of over 31 employees.
The terminated workers claim they were dismissed for attempting to unionize, characterizing the firings as union busting. Rockstar disputed this narrative, stating that the employees were terminated for publicly revealing features from upcoming and unannounced games. Legal action filed by the affected workers remains ongoing, with the IWGB continuing to pursue their case against the studio for allegedly refusing to negotiate over the firings.
The union now represents workers across Rockstar’s UK offices, including locations in Edinburgh, London, Leeds, Lincoln, and Dundee. According to union representatives, membership has been growing, with workers from multiple sites joining the organized effort. The public announcement was made via social media and an explanatory video detailing the past six months of organizing activity.
The timing is notable as it occurs approximately six months before the anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, one of the gaming industry’s most high-profile upcoming releases. The union states it is “determined to win justice for the 31 fired workers” and is continuing to organize around workplace issues at the studio.