'The modern workplace runs on fear ... today we are fighting fear': Fired Grand Theft Auto 6 dev calls out Rockstar in impassioned pre-trial speech
The final hearing in the dispute between Rockstar and 31 employees who were fired in 2025 begins today.
A former Rockstar programmer, Rachel Crawford, passionately denounced the video game developer at a rally in Glasgow, Scotland, marking the commencement of the final workplace tribunal hearing for 31 terminated employees. The dispute revolves around the reason behind the layoffs - Rockstar claims the staff leaked details of unannounced games, while the union asserts it was an act of union busting, and that the company acted unfairly by immediately firing employees without following due process or granting them a chance to appeal.
The terminated employees are seeking a declaration that their dismissals were unjust, along with reinstatement or compensation. Union president Alex Marshall called Rockstar's actions "Grand Theft Employment Rights." The hearing, which will last for five weeks, aims to expose the truth behind the employees' dismissals.
During the rally, Crawford shared her experience of being fired by Rockstar without warning or explanation, feeling humiliated and ashamed. She described the fear that gripped her and her former colleagues, making them feel powerless and silenced. Crawford emphasized that fear has the power to rule over us, closing our minds, hearts, and horizons, and making us small, sad and hopeless. However, today, they are fighting back against fear and determined to stand up, speak their truth, and demand a better industry and world.
Written by urgent.news from PC Gamer's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
