Rockstar's Edinburgh Studio Goes on Trial This Week Over Firing of 31 Union Workers

A formal employment tribunal examining Rockstar Games' dismissal of 31 workers at its Edinburgh studio opens this week in Glasgow, running from September 10 through October 16. The hearing will determine whether the company's decision to fire those employees in October 2025 constituted unlawful retaliation for union membership — a charge Rockstar has consistently denied, citing what it calls clear gross misconduct.

Rockstar's position is that the workers were terminated for sharing sensitive GTA VI development information — including specific features, internal production timelines, and IT security protocols — in a private Discord channel tied to their union activity. Under its zero-tolerance policy on leaks, the studio contends those actions left it with no legitimate alternative. The workers, represented by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain, argue the confidentiality policy was selectively enforced as a pretext for removing organised labour from the studio.

The tribunal's scope is significant: a preliminary ruling earlier this year rejected Rockstar's bid to strip blacklisting allegations from the case, meaning every union-busting claim the IWGB has raised will be heard in full. Among the most serious individual situations is that of dismissed worker Will Mesilane, whose visa was revoked and who was referred to the Home Office without being given a chance to appeal.

The Glasgow hearing is expected to conclude with a decision well before GTA VI launches on November 19. The workers have publicly asked fans not to boycott the game, calling instead for donations to their legal fund. A ruling in their favour could result in reinstatement orders or compensation; a decision backing Rockstar would validate the studio's handling of the firings as it heads into one of the most anticipated game launches in history.