Video game designers and employees at Rockstar Games are working to secure official union recognition, collaborating with the IWGB Game Workers Union before the scheduled November release of Grand Theft Auto VI.
The upcoming title is projected to become one of the most successful video games in history, with pre-orders reportedly generating $3 billion in sales.
If successful, Rockstar would become the second video game studio in the United Kingdom with a recognized union, following ZA/UM which authorized recognition in October 2025.
Unionization would provide staff with formal pathways for collective bargaining, as well as heightened workplace protections and legal rights for representatives and active members.
The push follows accusations of "union busting" last year after the company dismissed 31 union members in October.
The IWGB is contesting those terminations through an employment tribunal, with a final hearing set for September.
Rockstar previously stated the workers were let go for sharing proprietary data, claiming confidential game features were disclosed in a public forum.
Jordan Garland, a terminated employee with 11 years at the company, expressed hope for voluntary recognition.
"We hope Rockstar voluntarily recognises the union; we are inviting Rockstar to meet us and make it a celebration of people who make the games possible," he said.
Garland emphasized the drive aims to protect workers across the entire sector.
"To ensure this sort of thing never happens again, not just at Rockstar but anywhere in the industry."
He noted that corporate acquisitions often lead to widespread layoffs due to streamlining and greed.
"It is the state of the industry and it seems to be getting worse as fewer studios are independent."
Garland also observed that consumers rarely consider the workforce behind their favorite games.
"Partly that is down to how the games are marketed and sold to consumers, the people who make them are not necessarily part of the conversation."
Potential Industrial Action
Organizers have indicated further workplace mobilization if voluntary recognition is denied, potentially including a strike.
Shanti Easton-Steel, production coordinator at Rockstar North in Edinburgh, highlighted the collective effort.
"It’s thanks to the hard work of so many of our members that we are now in a strong enough position to pursue formal recognition."
She added, "The best way we can honour their contribution now is by succeeding in the fight they helped us to start."
Rockstar has been approached for comment.
In an earlier statement regarding the dismissals, the company denied targeting union members, saying it took action against individuals who distributed confidential information in breach of policy.
Alex Marshall, president of the IWGB, said the union is now stronger despite the firings.
"Many people assumed that Rockstar dismissing 31 union members last year would weaken organising at the company – but in fact the union is now stronger than ever."
He noted that GTA VI has reportedly generated over $3 billion in preorder sales, adding, "Rockstar bosses can easily afford to sit around the table with the people whose hard work created these games."
