Rockstar Games UK workers to vote on union recognition just before GTA 6 launch

Workers at video game developer Rockstar Games in the United Kingdom are scheduled to vote from November 12 to November 26 on whether the company should recognize a branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWUGB). The ballot falls around the planned November 19 release of the studio's latest game, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). The schedule was reported by Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, citing a social media post.

If the vote succeeds, the Rockstar Game Workers Union would become the largest recognized union in the UK games industry. The union covers staff at all of the company's UK offices and was announced in May 2026.

Tribunal over dismissals

Alongside the vote, an employment tribunal between Rockstar and the IWUGB is still under way. It had been due to end earlier in October, but has been extended, with closing arguments now expected on November 17 or 18, shortly before GTA 6 launches.

The IWUGB filed its complaint after Rockstar dismissed more than 30 employees in October 2025, most of whom were union members or involved in organizing efforts. That prompted concerns that the studio was trying to undermine the union. The company said the employees were dismissed for misconduct related to sharing confidential information.

Talks with management

In a recent feature interviewing several Rockstar staff, Schreier reported that the remaining unionizing workers have been in ongoing discussions with company management in recent months. Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar's head of publishing, told him: "We go where the team goes. So if they want a union, they will have a union."