GTA 6 creators are a „giant international corporation, a machine that creates billions in value.” Ex-employees criticize Rockstar Games

A few weeks back, news spread about some small but significant layoffs at Rockstar Games' UK and Canadian branches. The decision by the company responsible for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 caused quite a stir and dissatisfaction from the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). Recently, former Rockstar employees held another protest in Edinburgh, where they strongly criticized the company's practices.

The layoffs caused such an uproar because, according to reports, about 40 experienced developers, many of whom were active in trade unions, were set to lose their jobs. Representatives of Rockstar Games insisted that this had no connection, and the actual reason for the layoffs was "disseminating confidential information in the public domain." The people affected are saying that the company is just trying to get rid of the unions, which has really brought down the morale in different Rockstar branches and caught the attention of the UK parliament.

Rockstar Games as a "machine in an industry full of exploitation"

A former developer of GTA 6, during a big protest outside Rockstar North's main office, said that the company behind the controversial layoffs is just a "money-making machine" that only cares about its own profits. It doesn't consider the individual, burnt-out, and frightened developers.

A former developer of GTA 6, who called Rockstar a "machine," pointed out something pretty obvious and expected – the sixth installment of this popular series is going to make a ton of money, boosting the company's and shareholders' bank accounts. At the same time, he believes that players should keep in mind the people whose careers have ended and lives have been "left in chaos" due to the actions of Rockstar Games.

Another former studio employee admitted during the protest that he felt the risk he might face by joining the union. Rockstar apparently "unceremoniously fired" someone while they were on parental leave, along with other employees who needed financial stability to support their families and kids.

Grand Theft Auto VI

November 19, 2026

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• Overview

• Rockstar Games
• protests
• layoffs / employments
• Rockstar North
• GTA / Grand Theft Auto (franchise)