The Rockstar GTA 6 tribunal opened at Glasgow Employment Tribunal on September 10, 2026. It reviews the October 2025 dismissal of 31 UK staff and three in Canada. Rockstar maintains the firings addressed leaks of confidential details while the union alleges targeting for organizing activity. The hearing runs until October 16.
The 34 total dismissals covered three Canadian staff and triggered protests outside Rockstar North in Edinburgh. Further demonstrations took place at Take-Two offices in London following the October 2025 moves. Staff had reviewed internal policies via a Discord server connected to the union ahead of the terminations.
The workers seek reinstatement or compensation after the October 2025 firings. The tribunal will decide if the process met legal standards while the game nears completion. A ruling could affect how Rockstar handles future staff matters on GTA 6.
Rockstar installed privacy films on office windows after drones captured interior images. These actions followed reports of external attempts to photograph confidential development materials. The steps occurred during ongoing work on the title and preceded the tribunal hearings by several months.
The IWGB claims workers were targeted for union activity and that dismissals occurred without any disciplinary process. The union alleges immediate account lockouts and short phone calls for remote staff left employees without standard protections. No right of appeal was offered according to the filings presented at the hearing.
The list shows staff lost standard steps during the October 2025 process. The union argues this left employees without protection or review options. The claims now rest with the tribunal for a final ruling.
One dismissed worker lost a visa and returned to Australia after the action. The union presented this case at the Glasgow tribunal as part of its evidence. The detail shows how the firings extended beyond the UK team.
October 2025 marked the dismissal of 34 staff across two countries after Discord discussions. November 2025 saw protests at Rockstar North and Take-Two offices in response. September 2026 opened the tribunal which ends weeks before the game launch date.
The sequence shows the dispute moved from firings to public action and then formal review. Players see how the process reached a decision point weeks before launch. The timeline places the outcome near the November 19, 2026 release.
Both sides agree the Discord server was the starting point for the dispute. The sides differ on the motive behind the firings with Rockstar citing leaks and the union alleging targeting. The tribunal will assess evidence on process and intent over the coming weeks.
| Party | Stated Reason | Process Followed |
|---|---|---|
| Rockstar | Gross misconduct via leaks | Immediate dismissal |
| IWGB | Union activity targeting | No appeal or notice |
The table shows each side holds a different view of the motive and steps taken. Rockstar points to misconduct while the union stresses missing procedures. The hearing will weigh these accounts against employment rules.
Sources: Rockstar Games (official). Related: Rockstar Hits Expand Sales for Nearby Releases.
More than 200 Rockstar North staff signed a letter calling for the return of dismissed colleagues. The letter backed the union position on unfair treatment during the process. It noted the effect on the wider team still building GTA 6.
Jason Lewis described the sudden loss of roles after months of work on the title. He said the group never expected talks on conditions to lead to removal from the project. Lewis noted the team lost income and the chance to finish the game.
Jason Lewis said the truth about events had been buried for almost a year. He noted that none imagined discussing working conditions would lead to such upheaval. Lewis added that the group fought to win justice and draw a line against attacks on unionising.
Will Mesilane had to leave the UK and return to Australia. Rockstar withdrew his work visa and reported the situation after the dismissal. This detail emerged during the union filings at the Glasgow tribunal proceedings.
More than 200 Rockstar North employees signed a letter demanding the colleagues return. The letter supported the claims of unfair treatment raised by the union. It highlighted the impact on the broader team working on GTA 6.
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