Rockstar Games faces fresh allegations of enforcing crunch culture, manipulating bonus payments, and allowing a widening gender pay gap among its UK staff. The claims come from anonymous members of the Rockstar Game Workers Union interviewed by Game Developer. Union efforts for voluntary recognition continue after sackings in 2025.
Three union members described how bonuses at the studio can be reduced based on subjective or inconsistent reasons, leaving employees uncertain about a significant portion of their annual pay. One interviewee noted that this setup pressures staff to remain compliant with management demands.
The same sources reported that the gender pay gap at Rockstar has grown in recent years, contrary to broader UK trends. They also said overtime practices are built into contracts through an opt-out of working time regulations, enabling more than ten extra hours per week as standard.
Take-Two, Rockstar's parent company, confirmed it received a union request for voluntary recognition and stated it values constructive dialogue with stakeholders. Union members noted recent wage increases and policy shifts at represented studios since October, attributing them to organizing efforts.
