Rockstar Games Fired 31 Employees: Trade Union Watch List Claim 2026

Rockstar Games, the maker of Grand Theft Auto, is facing a heated employment tribunal in Glasgow over the firing of 31 employees, with one former worker alleging that a “watch list” was used to monitor staff involved in trade union activity. The case has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry as Rockstar prepares for the record-breaking launch of Grand Theft Auto VI.

The Allegations: A Watch List and Union Activity

Dayne Oram, one of the fired employees, told the tribunal that he believed Rockstar started keeping tabs on a group of workers after they signed a petition about remote working in 2023. The petition was sent to leadership, and Oram claims that those who signed it were subsequently placed on a “watch list.” The tribunal is examining whether Rockstar unlawfully dismissed the 31 employees for their trade union activity.

Rockstar disputes these claims, stating that the dismissals were due to gross misconduct after confidential company information was shared, not because of union membership or activity. The company argues that the employees violated company policies by discussing sensitive information on a Discord forum used by about 300 Rockstar employees.

The Discord Forum at the Center of the Case

Much of the case hinges on what was shared in the Discord forum, which Oram helped set up and moderate. Rockstar alleges that sensitive information was shared and discussed on the forum, leading to the firings. Oram admitted during the tribunal that discussions on the forum could “get a bit out of hand.” Thomas Cordrey, representing Rockstar, read Oram the forum rules, which reportedly prohibited sharing confidential information.

The forum was intended as a space for employees to discuss company matters, but Rockstar claims it became a conduit for leaking confidential details. The tribunal will determine whether the firings were a response to union activity or a legitimate response to misconduct.

Impact on Grand Theft Auto VI and the Gaming Industry

The timing of the tribunal is significant, as Rockstar is deep in production on Grand Theft Auto VI, set for release on 19 November. The game, led by Rockstar North in Edinburgh, has reportedly generated over $3 billion in preorders and is expected to be one of the biggest launches in gaming history. The firings have raised concerns about labor practices in the gaming industry, where unionization efforts have been gaining momentum.

This case could set a precedent for how game studios handle employee organizing and remote work policies. It also highlights the tensions between management and workers in an industry known for crunch periods and demanding schedules.

Key Takeaways from the Rockstar Games Tribunal

• 31 employees were fired by Rockstar Games, allegedly for trade union activity.
• A former employee claims a “watch list” was created after a remote work petition.
• Rockstar says the firings were for gross misconduct related to sharing confidential information on Discord.
• The tribunal is ongoing in Glasgow and could impact labor relations in the gaming industry.

Comparing the Claims: Rockstar vs. Former Employees

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