GTA VI delayed as Rockstar reportedly engages in union-busting

Michael Hassall Published November 7, 2025

Rockstar Games, the UK-based developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, and Red Dead franchise, has been accused of union-busting amid the firing of senior staff.

The company allegedly fired several key members of the GTA VI development team, before announcing that GTA VI would be delayed until Nov. 19, 2026. The title was originally delayed from May 2026 until ‘Autumn’ 2025, before yesterday’s announcement.

Rockstar fires union leaders then announces GTA VI delay

On Oct. 30, Rockstar reportedly fired around 40 workers from its UK studios, allegedly for leaking sensitive information on a private discord. Many of the fired workers were seemingly leaders of an almost 200-strong union, which was just months away from becoming officially ratified.

Forum posts from Rockstar employees highlighted that some of the employees who were fired had 18 years experience, making them senior developers, and some of the core members of the dev team. On the forum, employees highlighted the low morale at the Rockstar North offices following the firings, and the implication that hitting the projected release date was impossible without the fired staff.

GTA VI delayed again. Image credit: Rockstar Games/Take-Two

A few days later, Rockstar Games officially announced the delay of GTA VI. It’s suspected the two events are connected. Rockstar also reportedly insinuated that the released staff members were responsible for leaks, however, no new GTA VI leaks have hit the wider internet.

However, Rockstar could find itself in hot water under UK anti-union-busting rules. While the UK reportedly has some of the “most draconian anti-trade union laws in the Western world,” as per the International Trade Union Confederation, the law prevents companies from intimidating or dismissing union members. Rockstar will likely face legal challenges from its former employees.

Yesterday, protests from trade union members took place outside of Take-Two’s offices in London. Take-Two is Rockstar Games’ parent company. While GTA VI may be delayed, Rockstar is already creating controversy, and not for the fun, in-game reasons.

Featured Image: Rockstar Games