ROCKSTAR Games have been accused by a major trade union and three Edinburgh MPs of stonewalling legal processes begun by workers laid off in October last year.
Rockstar, who are set to release the hotly-anticipated GTA VI later this year, laid off 34 workers on 30 and 31 October last year, 31 of whom were game developers based in Edinburgh and members of the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB).
A bitter legal struggle between the union and Rockstar has ensued, with the studio’s former workers demanding the release of information pertinent to their dismissal, and the right to appeal their dismissal.
They have been joined in their campaign by three Edinburgh Labour MPs Chris Murray, Tracy Gilbert and Dr Scott Arthur, who all raised concerns about Rockstar Games’ refusal to hand over evidence and cooperate fully with legal proceedings stemming from the mass sacking of 34 workers last October.
The timing is said to have raised immediate suspicion. Just before the dismissals, the IWGB had reached the 10% union density membership threshold, the point at which it could apply to the Central Arbitration Committee for statutory recognition as the official union at the company.
Parent company Take-Two Interactive said the workers had been fired for “gross misconduct, and for no other reason”.
Rockstar later claimed they had discussed “specific game features from upcoming and unannounced titles” and other confidential information in a public forum.
The IWGB disputes that account, insisting the discussions took place in a private Discord channel and concerned working conditions and union organising. They have repeatedly accused Rockstar of “union busting”.
The sackings triggered an immediate backlash within the industry. More than 200 Rockstar developers signed a letter demanding the ousted workers be reinstated, while protests were held outside the studio’s Edinburgh headquarters and Take-Two’s London offices.
In December, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said ministers would investigate the allegations, describing the situation as “a deeply concerning case,” after Murray raised the matter directly at Prime Minister’s Questions.
In a statement on Tuesday, Murray said: “From my first meeting with constituents impacted by Rockstar’s mass dismissal, I have held concerns with both the handling and motivation behind this action.
“I made my concerns clear during Prime Minister’s Questions, resulting in an ongoing ministerial investigation initiated by the Prime Minister.”
He added: “Constituents have lost their jobs, their income, with one constituent even forced to leave the country due to the removal of their visa sponsor.
“During a recent meeting with a constituent they explained Rockstar’s justification for their dismissal has varied throughout this process.
“Rockstar must answer this case with transparency and full cooperation and uphold the right to appeal.”
Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, echoed these concerns: “Every worker deserves the right to a fair appeal process and to have their voice heard.
“It is extremely disappointing that Rockstar has refused to properly engage with staff, representatives and trade unions throughout this process.
“Workers asking for fairness, transparency and respect should not be met with silence and closed doors, especially when livelihoods and workplace rights are at stake.”
Dr Arthur said: “I recently met with a former Rockstar employee who was dismissed from their role.
“He described significant difficulty in coming to terms with the decision, particularly due to the lack of clear evidence provided to explain his dismissal.
“He expressed concern that the company has not cooperated fully or transparently in helping him understand what occurred.”
He added: “When I visited Rockstar late last year alongside fellow MPs, my discussions with senior management emphasised their responsibility to treat staff in an open, fair, and transparent manner.
“Based on the account shared by my constituent, it appears that these principles are not being consistently upheld in practice.”
Dr Arthur went on to tout the UK Government’s policy in this area: “The UK Government is overseeing the largest expansion of workers’ rights in a generation, and as Members of Parliament we have a duty to challenge unfair employment practices and unjust dismissals.
“Rockstar must therefore cooperate fully and transparently with any investigations into alleged union‑busting and ensure that both dismissed and current employees are treated fairly and with respect.”
Rockstar has not responded to the MPs’ latest statements. The company has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the dispute.
GTA VI is currently scheduled to launch on 19 November 2026.
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