A Scottish employment tribunal has begun hearing a case involving 23 former Rockstar Games employees who were dismissed from the studio behind the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. The workers are challenging the circumstances surrounding their dismissals, which have sparked allegations of unfair treatment and union-related discrimination.
Rockstar dismissed 31 employees in the UK and three workers in Canada in October last year. The company said the employees were fired for allegedly sharing confidential information through Discord. Rockstar, which is known for maintaining strict secrecy around its games, denies that the dismissals were connected to trade union membership or activity.
The tribunal hearing in Glasgow is expected to continue for more than a month. It comes just weeks before the scheduled November 19 release of GTA VI, one of the most anticipated games in the industry.
Union Challenges Rockstar Dismissals
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is supporting the workers involved in the case. The union is seeking reinstatement or compensation for the affected employees.
According to the IWGB, the workers in Scotland were targeted because of their union activities. The union also argues that the dismissals were unlawful because employees were not given proper disciplinary procedures or an opportunity to appeal.
Lloyd Knott, a 42-year-old former Rockstar employee who worked on visual effects for GTA VI, described the wider video game industry as having a “culture of fear.” He said being a union member could make workers feel that they had become targets.
Knott said employees could feel vulnerable when they become involved in workplace organising. His comments highlight the broader dispute over workers’ rights within the gaming industry.
Former Rockstar Worker Describes Impact
Branimira Yordanova, who previously worked as a lighting artist at Rockstar, also spoke about the consequences of losing her job.
Yordanova said the dismissal had a devastating effect on her life and left her concerned about potentially losing her home. She later secured a short-term contract after leaving Rockstar, but that employment has since ended.
Meanwhile, supporters of the workers gathered outside the Glasgow courthouse. Around 40 people reportedly attended the demonstration, carrying banners criticising what they described as “union busting.”
The gathering took place as the tribunal began examining the claims brought by the dismissed employees.
Rockstar Rejects Union Allegations
Rockstar Games has strongly rejected the allegations made by the union and former employees.
The company said the dismissals followed what it described as gross misconduct involving the release of confidential company information. Rockstar maintained that the decision had nothing to do with trade union membership or activity.
The company has said it will defend its position during the tribunal proceedings. The claims will therefore be examined as the hearing continues, rather than treated as established findings.
Rockstar Games is owned by US-based Take-Two Interactive. Its Edinburgh studio has played a major role in the development of GTA VI.
GTA VI Development Remains Highly Secretive
The legal dispute comes as Rockstar prepares for the release of GTA VI. The next entry in the long-running Grand Theft Auto franchise is scheduled to launch on November 19.
Since the original Grand Theft Auto was released in 1997, the franchise has become one of the biggest names in gaming. The series has sold more than 470 million copies worldwide.
Development of GTA VI has been surrounded by intense secrecy. However, an earlier major leak exposed previously unseen footage from the game after material was obtained from an unknown source.
Rockstar responded by releasing an extended preview in late August. Despite the leak, the studio has continued to tightly control information about the upcoming title.
As the tribunal continues, the case could draw further attention to working conditions and union rights within the gaming industry. At the same time, Rockstar remains focused on the highly anticipated launch of GTA VI.
