Rockstar Games UK Staff to Hold Union Vote During GTA 6 Launch

Employees across Rockstar Games offices in the UK are preparing to vote on formal recognition for their branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, with ballots scheduled to run from November 12 to November 26. If the vote succeeds, the newly formed organization will secure its place as the largest recognized labor union within the British video game industry. This internal organizing effort hits a critical juncture precisely as the studio ramps up for the highly anticipated global launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19.

The timing of the ballot coincides with ongoing legal battles between management and labor advocates. An employment tribunal involving the IWUGB and Rockstar, initially slated to wrap up earlier in October, has been extended. Closing arguments for the case are now set to take place on November 17 or 18, mere days before the blockbuster game hits store shelves.

The dispute stems from October 2025, when Rockstar laid off over 30 employees, a significant portion of whom were active union members or involved in organizing efforts. The union subsequently filed a complaint alleging union-busting practices, while Rockstar maintained that the staff terminations were due to misconduct involving the sharing of confidential information. Despite the friction, leadership has indicated a willingness to respect the democratic process. Jennifer Kolbe, head of publishing at Rockstar, previously stated that management would respect the workforce's decision if employees ultimately choose to unionize.