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.
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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."
