Rockstar Games & GTA 6 controversy: Layoffs due to leaks, Protests & more details

Mahaksh has been a part of Khel Now since 2024. He covers gaming-related news and updates.

Published at :November 6, 2025 at 5:28 PM

Modified at :November 8, 2025 at 1:42 AM

(Courtesy : Rockstar Games)

Protest today outside Take-Two’s London office

While fans and gamers are pretty hyped for GTA 6, which is scheduled to release on May 26, 2026, there are some big dramas that are happening behind the scenes.

Yesterday, Bloomberg dropped a big news report that Rockstar Games has fired over 30 employees and according to them, they were spilling leaks and company secrets in a forum with outsiders.

However, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) screams BS, describing it as a clear busting effort on workers advocating for fair play during the GTA VI crunch. Let’s check out more details in this article.

Multiple protests were reportedly seen outside Rockstar’s HQ in Edinburgh after the company fired around 40 employees for “gross misconduct,” which is described as the “the most ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.”Another protest is planned for… pic.twitter.com/FXPJYq9lgc
— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) November 5, 2025

Rockstar side of story

Here’s what a Rockstar Games representative told Jason Schreier (Bloomberg):

“We took action against a small number of individuals… distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum, a violation of our company policies.”

GTA 6 lore leaked in a chat that included non-employees. Fair? Secrets like map hints or NPC peculiarities could derail the hype machine, and NDA violations aren’t cute.

But what about the timing? The sacked crew were all IWGB members, fresh from organizing for better hours and pay in a studio infamous for crunch.

It is also worth noting that today, Take-Two’s earnings call is scheduled and many fans are expecting any new news regarding GTA VI.

IWGB’s comments: “Union Busting in Plain Sight”

Meanwhile, the Union is not buying it and here’s what IWGB president Alex Marshall said:

“Rockstar is afraid of hard-working staff discussing their rights… prioritizing union-busting over GTA VI development.”

For them, it is illegal, shameful, and a betrayal of workers and fans. The developers and those workers have put their heart and soul into the game and now they have been fired.

That’s not all, as there is already a protest scheduled for today, outside Take Two’s London office at 8 AM.

FAQs

Why did Rockstar Games fire 30+ employees?

Rockstar claims it was for leaking GTA 6 secrets in a public forum with non-employees, violating company policy. No union link, they say.

What is the IWGB’s response to the Rockstar firings?

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain calls it “union-busting,” protesting today at Take-Two’s London office for reinstatement. They label it illegal and a betrayal.

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Mahaksh Chouhan

Mahaksh Chauhan is a passionate gaming journalist who loves for old-school RPGs and turn-based games. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of game mechanics, Mahaksh brings an unique perspective to the world of gaming. Inspired by classics like Persona, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Skyrim, Mahaksh is dedicated in sharing the magic of games with readers. When not writing or gaming, Mahaksh can be found cheering on WWE superstars or watching his favourite Anime.