The UK Prime Minister has demanded an investigation into the controversial dismissal of Rockstar employees who worked on GTA VI

The sudden layoffs of three dozen Rockstar Games employees involved in the creation of GTA VI have received national attention. The situation has spread beyond the gaming industry and reached British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who ordered a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the layoffs.

In late October, the studio terminated contracts with 34 employees at its UK and Canadian divisions, citing the public discussion of confidential material. However, it was later revealed that all those laid off had been members of a closed union Discord group where they discussed the possibility of organizing within the company. The independent trade union IWGB has assessed Rockstar's actions as an attempt to suppress employee initiative and violate labor rights.

At a parliamentary meeting, Starmer was asked about his position on the situation. The Prime Minister noted that every worker should have the legal right to join a union, and that companies are obligated to uphold labor standards regardless of the size of the business. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation and promised that the relevant ministers would look into the matter.

Amid the scandal, protests began outside the offices of Rockstar and its parent company, Take-Two. The union intends to seek the reinstatement of all dismissed employees, including legal action. They were supported by over two hundred Rockstar North employees, who expressed solidarity with their colleagues.

Meanwhile, GTA VI, following its recent delay, is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. While the delay is not directly related to the layoffs, one Rockstar employee noted that the loss of qualified specialists could impact the speed of future development.