Rockstar Games is once again in the spotlight — and not for Grand Theft Auto 6’s highly anticipated release. On November 12, the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) filed legal claims against Rockstar Games, accusing the company of firing developers in retaliation for trying to unionize. The case comes just weeks after Rockstar let go of several staff members and delayed GTA 6 once again.
31 GTA 6 Developers Let Go Before Game’s Latest Delay
Back on October 30, Rockstar confirmed that it had laid off 31 developers from the Grand Theft Auto 6 team. The news came as a shock to many, especially since the studio announced only days later that GTA 6’s release had been pushed back to November 19, 2026 — a six-month delay from its original May 2026 target. Rockstar attributed the delay to a need for “more time to polish the game” and deliver the level of quality fans expect from the franchise.
IWGB Challenges Rockstar’s Explanation
Rockstar previously claimed the firings were linked to leaks concerning GTA 6, but the IWGB trade union has publicly rejected that explanation. According to the union, the affected developers were actually let go for attempting to organize under the IWGB banner.
In its official filing, the union accused Rockstar of unfair dismissal and blacklisting of the 31 former employees. The IWGB stated that the individuals in question were union members and that the group’s legal claims seek monetary compensation and relief against Rockstar Games.
IWGB president Alex Marshall expressed confidence in the legal case, saying the organization would mount a “full legal defense” using its caseworkers, barristers, and legal officers.
Rockstar Silent as IWGB Takes Legal Action
As of now, Rockstar Games has not responded to the union’s request for a meeting. The company has also denied that the firings were linked to GTA 6’s delay. However, the IWGB’s latest legal action follows recent protests outside Take-Two Interactive’s London offices, where former employees gathered to demand accountability from the developer and its parent company.
Analysts have estimated that GTA 6’s newest delay could cost Rockstar up to half a billion dollars, though that figure remains speculative. Still, the combination of the legal battle and production setbacks has left many wondering what’s next for the studio behind one of the most anticipated games in history.
For now, the situation remains tense. With the IWGB pushing forward and Rockstar staying quiet, the outcome of these legal claims could have major implications — not only for GTA 6’s development, but also for workers’ rights in the gaming industry as a whole.
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