“Morale In The Studio Is At Rock Bottom.” Rockstar Games Accused of “Union Busting” After Mass Firing of Over 34 Staff

Rockstar Games is facing explosive allegations of targeted “union busting” following the abrupt firing of more than 34 employees last week. The claims originate from a detailed post on gtaforums.com by an individual claiming to be a long-time employee and union member, whose identity as an employee was reportedly confirmed by the forum’s administration.

Source, claiming to be a long-time employee, posted allegations on gtaforums.com

While the company cited “gross misconduct” over posts in a private Discord, the employee claims the firings were direct retaliation. The post alleges the action came just one week after the employee union (IWGB) hit the ~200-member threshold required to seek collective bargaining over “worsening crunch, inadequate pay and inflexible working arrangements.”

The source claims all 34+ fired individuals were union members, primarily from the organizing committees.

The post paints a grim picture of the dismissals. Studio-based employees were reportedly called into “friendly” chats, denied their legal right to union representation, handed a termination letter without evidence, and “frogmarched out of the studio.” Remote staff were fired in calls lasting “less than 2 minutes,” with HR allegedly hanging up on one employee having a panic attack.

The fired staff are described as “very senior” artists, programmers, and designers, including veterans with over 18 years at the company and no prior disciplinary action. Some were reportedly on sick leave or paternity leave.

The source claims the private Discord contained “no leaking,” only discussion of union efforts and working conditions.

“Morale in the studio is at rock bottom,” the employee wrote, describing a climate of fear among the remaining staff. “When we should be excited about what’s to come… we are now totally deflated.” The union is reportedly fighting for the reinstatement of all dismissed employees.

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