UK Tribunal Rejects Interim Pay for Fired Rockstar Games Developers

A UK employment tribunal rejected a bid for interim pay from 34 former Rockstar Games developers as they wait for a full hearing over their dismissal, as Eurogamer writes.

The group includes 31 UK-based workers and three from Canada, all represented by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The union claims Rockstar Games fired the employees in an act of union-busting after they became involved in organizing efforts.

UK Tribunal rules against interim relief

The IWGB asked the tribunal to grant interim relief, which would have restored wages and, for some workers, visa protections while the case continues. The tribunal declined the request, ruling that the claimants failed to show a “pretty good chance of success” on the central allegation of unfair dismissal linked to union activity.

This decision means the former employees will remain unpaid until the full hearing takes place.

Rockstar disputes union-busting claims

Rockstar Games dismissed the developers in October 2025, arguing that the terminations stemmed from alleged leaks of confidential company information rather than union involvement. The explanation fueled speculation online, with many fans linking the dispute to the long-running stream of Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks.

The union disputes Rockstar’s version of events and argues that the company used the leak allegations as cover to target unionized staff.

Union response and wider reaction

IWGB president Alex Marshall criticized Rockstar’s defense, saying the company failed to adequately substantiate its claims during the interim hearing. He also stressed that the union remains confident ahead of the full tribunal proceedings.

The case has sparked protests, attracted political attention in the UK, and intensified debate around labor rights and unionization within the games industry.

The dispute unfolds as rumors continue to circulate about potential Grand Theft Auto 6 delays. Elsewhere in gaming news, players recently received the first ARC Raiders update of the year, adding fresh developments to watch in the weeks ahead.