Rockstar Games, developer of the globally-renowned *Grand Theft Auto* franchise, is facing accusations of union busting following the recent termination of 34 employees. The dismissals,initially described by the company as resulting from “serious breaches,” are now alleged to stem from employee discussions on a union-affiliated Discord server according to reports. This incident adds to growing scrutiny of labor practices within the video game industry and raises questions about employee rights during critical growth cycles, notably as the highly anticipated *Grand Theft Auto 6* nears release.
Rockstar Games, the studio behind the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption franchises, recently terminated 34 employees following what the company described as “serious breaches.” Now, details surrounding the dismissals are emerging, suggesting the firings stemmed from discussions on a union-affiliated Discord server, according to reports. The incident highlights the increasing tension between employee communication and company control in the gaming industry.
The details were revealed in a YouTube video published by People Make Games, which reportedly obtained screenshots of conversations from a Discord server used by members of the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) union at Rockstar. The server was established in 2022 as a space for employees to discuss workplace issues, with a specific prohibition against discussing the company’s games.
The sequence of events, as presented in the video, unfolded as follows:
- In early October 2025, Rockstar implemented new guidelines for its internal Slack messaging platform, removing channels unrelated to work. This included a channel where employees had been sharing information about layoffs across the gaming industry.
- The updated Slack policies became a topic of discussion on the union’s Discord server. Shortly after, management distributed a further revised set of Slack usage rules, allegedly sent outside of regular working hours.
- Rockstar Games restricts the use of company email to on-site access during work hours, a policy enacted following a significant leak of gameplay footage.
- An employee still present in the office after hours reportedly shared the details of the second Slack policy update – including the rationale behind the changes – with other members of the Discord server.
- Members of the Discord server then read the internal email outside of work hours. Rockstar management reportedly identified the employee who shared the message, leading to the dismissal of 34 developers.
Alex Marshall, president of the IWGB, commented on the revelations, calling them another “desperate” attempt by Rockstar Games to silence its workforce.
“We’ve repeatedly seen Rockstar desperately trying to prevent people from communicating. These workers were simply trying to discuss their pay and working conditions to improve them and create a game that millions will love.”
The IWGB has filed a lawsuit against the company, and a petition signed by over 200 Rockstar employees demands the reinstatement of those terminated. The outcome remains uncertain as the company has yet to issue a formal response. This comes as Rockstar navigates the final stages of development for Grand Theft Auto 6, which recently experienced a delay.
