GTABase was on the ground outside Rockstar North in Edinburgh as workers and supporters protested the dismissal of more than 30 Rockstar employees amid allegations of union busting.

Our team member Yangy attended the protest, speaking to three former Rockstar developers and a spokesperson for the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) about the dismissals, workers’ rights and what fans can do to support those affected.

Protesters called for reinstatement and back pay compensation, with one speaker declaring:

“We will not stop fighting until there is a union — not just at Rockstar, but at every company in the industry.”

Other chants included:

“Say sorry! Be nice! Stand up for workers’ rights!”

Boots ok the ground! Our team member Yangy is currently at the union protest outside Rockstar North. We will have updated coverage and interviews as things develop. https://t.co/A3evCNAx6e

— GTABase.com (@GTABase) November 6, 2025

Former Rockstar Developers Speak Out

We interviewed three former Rockstar developers about the impact of the dismissals, their involvement in unionisation and what they believe should happen next.

How have you been impacted by the recent union busting?

Dev 1: Two of my colleagues and I have had our lives completely turned upside down. Some of our colleagues were on paternity or mental health leave when the emails were sent straight to their inboxes.

Dev 2: Yes, I have. I was brought into a meeting on Thursday morning. It was framed as a catch-up, and during that meeting, I was told I was being fired. No evidence was provided, and I was asked to leave the building.

Dev 3: Not personally, but I was on the committee before I left in February. I'm not as affected as the 34, but these people set me on the path towards the workers' rights movement.

Are you part of a union? What made you want to join one?

Dev 1: I joined the union before joining Rockstar, mainly because I believe in a better games industry for workers.

Dev 2: I've been a member since 2020. I've been in the industry long enough to see that change only happens through outside pressure, whether at Rockstar or elsewhere.

Dev 3: I heard there was a movement towards unionisation early last year, and it was a no-brainer to join. I thought it would go nowhere, but I was blown away by everyone's passion and compassion. It became a priority for me. Everyone is amazing, and the talent is incredible.

What can Rockstar do to improve its work culture?

Dev 2: By not firing 34 employees who only wanted to make Rockstar a better workplace.

Dev 3: Listen to workers. Allow staff members to secure their workplace and their rights within it.

How do you think fans can help with this situation?

Dev 1: Just share our stories. We will make no secret of it.

Dev 2: Keep the conversation going and possibly donate to the solidarity fund.

Dev 3: Just support all the people who were fired. Support the staff. Remember, behind these doors, these are all normal people who go home to their families. The public only sees the finished product; they don't see the day-to-day work done by employees. Support is what we need, and donating to our fund would be great.

Rockstar Games is currently working on one of the most anticipated media products of all time. Do you think pressure from the fanbase has affected the atmosphere at the studio?

Dev 1: I think the atmosphere has always been one of excitement. I joined three years ago, and I think the atmosphere has only ever been positive when talking about the project.

Dev 2: I think the current atmosphere inside the Rockstar offices is due to Rockstar management's decisions and Rockstar management's decisions alone.

Dev 3: Yes, the pressure will take them by surprise. I imagine this will take Rockstar by surprise. I think they'll expect us to just move on, but we're going to show that that's not the case.

IWGB Spokesperson: “We Will Continue to Protest at Rockstar and Take-Two”

GTABase also interviewed a spokesperson for the IWGB about the protest, the union's legal response and what supporters can do to help.

Why are you here today?

IWGB spokesperson: We're protesting today to demand the reinstatement of the more than 30 Rockstar employees who were fired and whom we believe were illegally dismissed because of their trade union activity.

How do you plan to fight this?

IWGB spokesperson: The IWGB is currently pursuing all legal avenues to demand that workers are reinstated and granted interim relief. We will continue to protest at Rockstar and Take-Two until workers are back in their jobs.

What can fans do to help with this situation?

IWGB spokesperson: Spread the word! Rockstar's ruthless union busting shouldn't be swept under the rug by misleading statements. The more than 30 fired workers were talented and hardworking individuals who put their heart and soul into the games they make. By firing them, Rockstar has admitted that it cares more about crushing the union than getting GTA VI out on time, looking after its fans or treating staff with dignity and respect.

Take-Two Interactive has claimed these firings were due to “gross misconduct” and the leaking of company secrets. What do you have to say about this? Do you have any idea what they mean by it?

IWGB spokesperson: We refute the claim that confidential information was shared publicly. Workers only communicated through private and legally protected trade union channels and did not leak any information publicly. Where are the leaks?

We've seen the protest outside the Take-Two office in London really take off. Does that give you hope for justice? What does justice look like to you?

IWGB spokesperson: It's inspiring to see so many people come out at short notice to support workers like this. We believe that through our collective power, we can get justice for Rockstar workers and create a fairer, more equitable Rockstar for everyone.

IWGB President Alex Marshall Criticises Rockstar

IWGB president Alex Marshall also issued a statement criticising Rockstar's handling of the dismissals.

Alex Marshall, IWGB president:

"Rockstar continues to deflect from the real reason for these dismissals: it is afraid of hard-working staff privately discussing exercising their rights to a fairer workplace and a collective voice. Management is showing that it doesn't care about delays to GTA VI and is prioritising union busting by targeting the very people who make the game. In recent years, Rockstar executives have benefited from £443 million in tax relief, while showing total disregard for the law or the livelihoods of their staff. At every turn, they've chosen profits over both workers and fans of their games."

Former Developers Respond to Take-Two's Claims

We also asked the former developers about Take-Two Interactive's claims that the dismissals were related to gross misconduct and the leaking of company secrets.

What do you have to say about this? Do you have any idea what they mean by it?

Dev 1: I think the only thing I can say is that I can't say what the dismissals were for, but I can say they were definitely related to trade union activity.

Dev 2: Where are the leaks?

We've seen the protest outside the Take-Two office in London really take off. Does that give you hope for justice? What does justice look like to you?

Dev 1: Justice for everyone here means a fairer process to me. Every developer here was dismissed without due process or fair warning. Justice means a fairer shot.

Dev 2: Justice is reinstatement, and justice means working together to allow a recognised union at Rockstar.

Dev 3: I always have hope for justice. That's why we're here. We need to show people there's hope and that justice can be served. I think we're seeing that more and more every day with the rise of unions.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Dev 1: Discuss unionisation in your workplace because everyone is going to go through bad times. Nobody should go through them alone.

Dev 3: Reinstate our coworkers.

The Protest Comes to a Close

As the protest wrapped up, the message from the former developers and union representatives was clear: they want their colleagues reinstated and workers' rights respected.

The interviewees urged fans to share their stories, keep the conversation going and consider donating to the workers' solidarity fund.

The dispute remains ongoing, with the IWGB saying it will continue pursuing legal action and protesting until the affected workers are reinstated.

GTABase will continue to follow developments surrounding the dispute at Rockstar North.