Grand Theft Auto VI, the most anticipated game of the decade, lands again at the centre of controversy. Rockstar Games has just revealed that it has released 34 developers working on the title – and not because of laziness or errors, but supposed leaks of confidential information. The confusion is increasing because the trade union accuses the company of violent suppression of attempts to unify employees. Is GTA Prime Minister VI on November 19, 2026 threatened? We're taking the issue first.
Storm Beginnings: Mass Releases in October 2025
It all began in late October 2025. Rockstar without warning expelled 31 workers from UK offices (mainly Rockstar North in Edinburgh) and 3 from Canada. Immediately protests broke out in front of the headquarters of the company and Take-Two Interactive in London. Workers demanded the return of the released, and the gaming world held its breath.
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) trade union claims that the exemptions are a "brutal union busting" – that is, the deliberate elimination of people trying to organize themselves in a relationship. The talks took place in a private Discord, where developers complained about working conditions, crunch and pressure before the release of GTA VI. "It will not leak, it is fear of demands of better conditions" – the union thundered.
Rockstar statement: "Confidence is the basis of everything"
On January 8, 2026, during a preliminary hearing in a Glasgow grandstand, Rockstar Games unveiled the cards. The company categorically denies the union charges and gives hard arguments:
"Rockstar categorically denies the claims at the sitting today. We have taken the necessary measures towards a group of people in the UK and Canada who have discussed highly confidential information, including game features from upcoming and unannounced titles, in an uncertain and public social network. This was a violation of long-standing and well understood confidentiality policies. The channel included at least 25 people outside Rockstar, including employees of competitive game developers, industry journalist and dozens of anonymous members."
Rockstar stresses that the leaks involved Progress on GTA VI, specific features and timelines of premieres. They believe that the disclosure of these details could become "great news" and harm the price of Take-Two shares (let's recall the USD 3.75 billion drop after announcing the GTA VI delay). It was added that 3 other people were also fired, including one for the leak of the GTA VI info in April 2025 – probably the full names of Jason and Lucia protagonists, revealed just before Trailer 2.
The company notes: employees supporting the relationship, but not violating confidentiality, were not fired. "We regret these decisions, but confidentiality is the foundation of our work," concludes Rockstar.
The union never lets go: "Rockstar broke the law"
IWGB is not silent. They demand the immediate return of those released to pay lists until a full trial.
"We hope that this weekly tribunal will give the urgently needed support to workers whose lives Rockstar has turned over with his brutal elimination of trade unions. It is the arrogance of a company thinking that its profits give the right to unpunished harm workers."
The judge is about to decide on this. The union collected 220 letters from Rockstar colleagues demanding that their colleagues be reinstated.
Global Storm: From protests to Prime Minister intervention
The scandal shook the industry. Protests before offices, petitions and... UK government intervention. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the case "deeply worrying" and promised a ministerial investigation. Members refused to sign the NDA (confidentiality clause) to enter Rockstar North.
Fans divided: Some praise Rockstar for protecting secrets, others see a conspiracy.
What does that mean for GTA VI?
Exemptions raise concerns about further delays – the game has already been postponed to November 2026. Jason Schreier of Bloombeg warns that the game is not yet ready. But Rockstar emphasizes "zero tolerance" for leaks, which can paradoxically enhance project security and timely launch.
Source: IGN
