Rockstar Games’ Firing of 31 Union Staff Sparks UK Political Outcry; Prime Minister Calls It ‘Deeply Concerning’

Rockstar Games, the studio behind Grand Theft Auto VI, is under fire after dismissing 31 employees allegedly involved in union activities. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called the mass firings “deeply concerning,” promising that government ministers will investigate the situation. The controversy is heating up just as Rockstar faces delays in the launch of its highly anticipated GTA 6.

The accusations against Rockstar first surfaced last month, when the studio fired staff members who were reportedly connected to union organising. Rockstar maintains that the employees were let go for “gross misconduct.” In response, the affected workers, who were all members of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), have filed a legal claim, arguing this was clear union busting. It’s become a headline clash between one of gaming’s most powerful companies and the rights of its workforce.

Political Pressure Grows as MPs Weigh In

The controversy landed directly in the halls of power last week. Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, raised the issue in Parliament, pressing the Prime Minister with a pointed question. He asked if Starmer believed all companies, no matter how profitable, must follow UK employment law and respect every worker’s right to join a union.

Starmer didn’t mince words: “It’s a deeply concerning case. Every worker has the right to join a trade union, and we’re determined to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure they don’t face unfair consequences for being part of a union.” He added that ministers would look into Rockstar’s actions and keep Parliament posted as the situation develops.

Murray has been on the frontline of the dispute for months. He spoke with IWGB and residents affected by Rockstar’s firings earlier this year. “All have lost their livelihood, all have lost a role which they have invested a combined 200 years of service to,” Murray noted, highlighting the personal devastation rippling out from Rockstar’s decision. Some dismissed employees are now facing deportation, as they’ve lost the visa sponsorship tied to their former jobs.

The fallout also reached Rockstar’s internal ranks. Over 200 employees from Rockstar North signed a public letter condemning management’s handling of the dismissals, showing rare open dissent within the usually secretive studio culture.

MPs Grilled Rockstar—But Left Unconvinced

Murray arranged a face-to-face meeting with Rockstar, determined to get answers. But he described the outcome as unsatisfying and troubling. “The meeting only entrenched my concerns about the process Rockstar used to dismiss so many of their staff members,” Murray reported. He said he wasn’t convinced that Rockstar’s actions met the standards of UK employment law, nor that the firings were necessary in the first place.

Murray raised alarm bells on Rockstar’s lack of transparency. “Alarmingly, I did not leave informed on what these 31 people had done to warrant their immediate dismissal. The meeting began with us MPs refused entry unless an NDA was signed; a request they eventually withdrew after it was made clear this would not be signed.” The standoff left MPs dissatisfied, and Rockstar’s justification was clouded in secrecy.

Meanwhile, the legal battle between IWGB union members and Rockstar is ongoing. The outcomes could set a major precedent for how tech and gaming companies handle unionisation in the UK.

All this comes at a tense time for the company. Rockstar recently delayed the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI from May to November. Publisher Take-Two claims the delay is to allow more time for polish, assuring the public that it stands fully behind the studio’s creative team and is confident in the final product.

The combined weight of union unrest, public scrutiny, and production delays has put Rockstar, usually known for its silence, squarely at the centre of a storm over workers’ rights in UK gaming. More answers from the company and the government are likely coming soon.