Union Calls on Rockstar Games to Address Developer Working Conditions
Grand Theft Auto 6, anticipated to be among the most successful video game launches ever, is set for release in November.
The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) Video Game Workers Union has urged Rockstar Games, the developer behind GTA 6, to formally recognise the union and address concerns related to pay transparency, flexible working arrangements, and overtime expectations.
Several union members have initiated legal proceedings against Rockstar, alleging unlawful dismissal last October due to their union activities. Rockstar has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that the employees were terminated for gross misconduct.
The IWGB reports that its members at Rockstar's Edinburgh studio, as well as other UK locations including Dundee, Lincoln, Leeds, and London, began organising in 2019. The union acknowledges some improvements in working conditions since then.
It highlights "unprecedented" average pay increases and financial incentives offered for "crunch" periods—a term in the video game industry referring to extended, often unpaid overtime leading up to a game's release.
Previous articles published around the launch of Rockstar's last major title, Red Dead Redemption 2, indicated that crunch was widespread within the company, although Rockstar rejected claims that it was mandatory.
More recent reporting by Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier suggests that Rockstar has made efforts to reduce excessive overtime during the development of GTA 6.
The union states that official recognition would enable it to establish formal dialogue channels with Rockstar's management to discuss issues such as crunch, pay transparency, and flexible working.
While UK workers can join a union without formal recognition, the IWGB explains that official recognition grants additional rights and protections.
Currently, the only UK game studio with a recognised union is ZA/UM, known for developing the RPG Disco Elysium.
Legal Action Over Worker Dismissals
The IWGB has also initiated legal action against Rockstar concerning the dismissal of 31 workers last year.
The union alleges these dismissals were unlawful and intended to discourage union membership.
Rockstar strongly disputes these claims, stating the terminations were due to gross misconduct involving the sharing of confidential information in a public Discord group.
The tribunal hearing for this case is scheduled for September.
One former Rockstar employee involved in the tribunal, Jack Hoxby, described the upcoming court date as "nerve-racking".
"People keep saying it's David and Goliath because that really is just the best way to describe it," he said.
"I do think the strength of our case and the fact that we've been very firm in our story throughout does speak volumes and hopefully will speak for itself."
Hoxby reflected on the recent GTA 6 pre-order campaign with mixed feelings, noting it was "bittersweet" for someone who had contributed to the game.
He maintains friendships with current employees and supports their efforts to establish an officially recognised union.
"I don't want them to not be supported, if that makes sense," he said.
In a statement provided by the union, Rockstar North production co-ordinator Shanti Easton-Steel commented:
"Whilst it's painful that our dismissed colleagues are not here to milestone moment, the best way we can honour their contribution now is by succeeding in the fight they helped us to start, and making them proud to have been a part of it."
beat has requested a response from Rockstar regarding claims about pay transparency, flexible working, and crunch.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 on weekdays, or listen back online.
