Final Tribunal Hearing Begins for 31 Fired GTA 6 Developers and Rockstar Games

The final employment tribunal hearing between Rockstar Games and 31 fired Grand Theft Auto 6 developers has officially commenced at the Glasgow Tribunals Centre in Scotland. The high-profile case follows the abrupt termination of the employees last autumn, which has since sparked a major push for labor rights and union representation within the UK video game industry.

On October 30, 2025, Rockstar Games unceremoniously fired the 31 staff members. According to Rachel Crawford, one of the terminated employees who spoke at a rally outside the tribunal, she was dismissed without warning or a clear explanation, and escorted out within minutes. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which is representing the fired workers, alleges that Rockstar Games targeted and removed the staff because of their involvement with the union, leading to accusations of unlawful dismissal and blacklisting. Rockstar Games, however, has denied these claims, asserting that the employees were fired for "gross misconduct" and for sharing confidential information on the IWGB Discord server.

The situation has gained significant political traction within the UK. The controversy surrounding the terminations was previously debated in Parliament and discussed by then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the situation as "deeply concerning." Earlier this year, Rockstar Games attempted to have the case thrown out, but the tribunal is moving forward with the final hearing, which is expected to last approximately five weeks.

In the wake of the October 2025 firings, a Rockstar Game Workers union was established. This group has since levied additional allegations against the developer, targeting issues such as crunch, gender pay gaps, and the weaponization of bonus payments. Crawford noted during her rally speech that many of her former colleagues at Rockstar Games have taken up the union's banner to push for recognition, protection, and power. Representatives from the IWGB are seeking either the reinstatement of the fired employees or financial compensation, along with an official finding from the tribunal that the dismissals were unfair.

If the tribunal rules in favor of the terminated developers, it could mark a historic step toward official union representation at Rockstar Games. The proceedings are taking place as the studio approaches the November 19 release of its highly anticipated title, Grand Theft Auto 6.