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."
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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."
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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."
