Politicians Accuse Rockstar Games of Obstructing Legal Processes Ahead of GTA 6 Release

As the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI edges closer to its release, Rockstar Games finds itself embroiled in a growing controversy involving allegations of union-busting and a lack of cooperation in related legal proceedings. Scottish Labour MPs have publicly criticized the company for what they describe as obstructive behavior toward former employees and union representatives.

Background: The Firings and Union Dispute

The issue stems from events in late 2025, when Rockstar Games dismissed around 34 employees, primarily from its Rockstar North studio in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claimed these firings constituted illegal union-busting retaliation. According to the union, the affected workers had been involved in discussions about working conditions via a private Discord channel with union organizers.

Rockstar maintained that the dismissals were due to misconduct, specifically the leaking of confidential company information, rather than any union activities. The dispute has led to ongoing legal action, including efforts to take the case to an employment tribunal. The process is expected to be lengthy, potentially extending for months or longer before a full resolution.

MPs Demand Transparency

In recent developments reported on May 13, 2026, several Scottish Labour MPs have voiced strong concerns about Rockstar’s handling of the matter. They accuse the company of failing to cooperate fully with disclosure requests, withholding evidence and investigation reports, and denying workers proper appeal rights.

• Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh: Murray expressed concerns about the “handling and motivation” behind the dismissals. He highlighted the personal impact on constituents, including job losses and one case where a worker had to leave the country due to visa issues. He called for Rockstar to respond with “transparency and full cooperation” and to uphold appeal rights.

• Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith: She described Rockstar’s actions as “extremely disappointing,” criticizing the company’s refusal to properly engage with staff, representatives, and trade unions.

• Dr. Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West: Arthur noted that discussions with Rockstar senior management last year emphasized the need for open, fair, and transparent treatment of staff. He suggested these principles may not have been consistently applied based on accounts from his constituent.

The MPs’ statements align with IWGB’s position that Rockstar has met former employees with “silence and closed doors.”

Context and Timing

This latest wave of criticism comes at a sensitive time for Rockstar, as the company prepares for GTA 6—one of the most eagerly awaited video game releases in history. The original planned May 2026 launch window was reportedly delayed to later in the year, though development appears to be progressing.

The involvement of politicians has elevated the dispute beyond a standard labor issue, drawing attention to broader questions about workers’ rights in the video game industry. Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had described the situation as “deeply concerning” and affirmed the right of workers to join trade unions.

What’s Next?

The legal battle is far from over. With tribunal hearings potentially months away, both sides are likely to continue presenting their cases publicly and in court. Rockstar has not issued a detailed public response to the most recent MP accusations as of the latest reports.

This situation underscores ongoing tensions in the gaming sector between major studios and efforts to organize labor, especially amid high-profile projects like GTA 6. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how the dispute affects Rockstar’s reputation and operations moving forward.

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