A new investigation suggests that Rockstar Games fired 34 employees in late October 2025 for sharing internal Slack policy changes on a private Discord server with union representatives, not for leaking game secrets. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain has accused the company of union busting and filed a legal claim. Over 200 current employees have signed a letter demanding the workers' reinstatement.
Background on the Firings
Rockstar Games, known for its strict security measures following major leaks, terminated 34 employees across its United Kingdom and Canada offices at the end of October 2025. The company and parent Take-Two Interactive initially cited 'gross misconduct' as the reason, but provided no further details. This came amid heightened caution around projects like Grand Theft Auto 6, though reports confirm the dismissals were unrelated to any game secrets.
The Discord Server Incident
According to a People Make Games investigation, the firings stemmed from activity on an invite-only Discord server established in 2022 for Rockstar employees and representatives of the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The server focused on HR topics like salaries and bonuses, protected under the UK's Equality Act of 2010. No confidential game information was shared.
The trigger was the discussion of Rockstar's new Slack policy changes, implemented in mid-October, which removed non-work chat channels deemed distractions. Due to Rockstar's policy requiring physical office presence for email access, an employee posted details of these changes on the Discord after hours, before others had been informed. A server member reportedly alerted management, prompting an internal probe that led to the terminations.
Union Response and Ongoing Dispute
The IWGB has launched a legal claim alleging unfair dismissal and union busting. IWGB president Alex Marshall stated to People Make Games, 'What we've seen time and time again is that Rockstar are desperately trying to prevent people from being able to communicate.' Over 200 Rockstar employees signed an open letter condemning the firings and calling for reinstatement. The issue was raised in UK Parliament last week, with no resolution in sight and potential court proceedings ahead. Rockstar declined to comment on the report.