Sharing Rockstar emails on Discord was ‘egregious breach’ of policy, tribunal told | Grand Theft …

Explore the latest developments concerning Sharing Rockstar emails.

Grand Theft Auto workers join protest as unfair dismissal tribunal begins

Former staff at the video games firm behind Grand Theft Auto have joined a protest rally before the opening of an employment tribunal claiming they were sacked because they tried to unionise.

The 23 claimants who were dismissed last year for what Rockstar Games called "gross misconduct" have taken the gaming giant to court for unlawful dismissal.

The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claims the former staff were penalised for discussing working conditions in a private online forum while working on the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6.

Rockstar Games, one of the UK's largest game developers, said it took action after staff discussed confidential information, including specific game features, on a Discord channel that was not private.

The core arguments behind the Rockstar union busting trial

Both parties have set out their stall in legal documents obtained by Game Developer.

Last year, Rockstar fired 34 workers (31 union members and three non-members) across the UK and Canada over what it claims was gross misconduct related to the leaking of confidential information.

By contrast, those impacted alleged they were dismissed for engaging in trade union activity and accused Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive of committing one of the "most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry."

The dispute resulted in a legal battle between Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) members and Rockstar that is currently being heard at an employment tribunal in Glasgow, UK. The hearing is expected to run until October 16, 2026, but thanks to a pair of legal filings sent to Game Developer by Take-Two Interactive, we now know how both sides will be arguing their case.

The dynamic landscape of current events often brings forth significant discussions. Monitoring these developments provides crucial insights.

For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Sharing Rockstar emails.

For more news…