Rockstar Games, a division of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. famous for creating Grand Theft Auto, has terminated employees linked to a British trade union. The union accuses the company of attempting to undermine union activity, whereas the firm cites misconduct as the justification for the layoffs.

As reported by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), Rockstar Games dismissed more than 30 employees on Thursday. These individuals, who are IWGB members, engaged in an IWGB Game Workers Union Discord channel. The union claims these terminations were unlawful and retaliatory.

IWGB president Alex Marshall remarked, “Rockstar has just executed the most overt and merciless act of union busting in the history of the gaming sector,” characterizing the actions as a violation of the law and a slight against the workers who generate profit for the company.

Bloomberg indicated that the workers affected were spread across offices in the UK and Canada. Some of those terminated were visa holders sponsored by Rockstar, and others were dealing with medical issues, according to IWGB representatives.

IWGB declared intentions to “mount a full and robust defense of its members.”

Take-Two spokesperson Alan Lewis informed Bloomberg that the dismissals were a result of “gross misconduct, and for no other reason,” providing unwavering support for Rockstar’s decisions.

Rockstar Games is famous for the Grand Theft Auto franchise. The most recent edition, Grand Theft Auto VI, has encountered several delays, with its launch now anticipated for May 2026, although additional delays are speculated.