Rockstar workers vote on union recognition as GTA VI launch looms

Over 1,600 Rockstar Games employees in the UK are set to vote on Wednesday regarding union recognition, just one week before the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI. The voting period, from November 12 to November 26, will determine if Rockstar formally recognizes the Rockstar Game Workers Union, part of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB).

Most UK employees below director level are eligible to cast their vote. A successful recognition would make the union the largest in the UK games industry, granting workers a collective voice in various employment conditions, including pay, overtime, pensions, bonuses, leave, and HR policies. This vote comes amidst significant preparations for GTA VI, expected to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, more than 13 years after its predecessor.

Nestor Uriate, a Rockstar Game Workers Union representative, expressed pride in both the game and the union, emphasizing the importance of having a respected environment, meaningful say over conditions, and security for the future. The union's formation follows a year of tension between Rockstar and the IWGB, which accused the developer of union busting after dismissing 31 members in October 2025 for their participation in a private Discord group.

Rockstar denied the allegations, stating the dismissals were due to gross misconduct. Despite the ongoing dispute, Rockstar's head of publishing, Jennifer Kolbe, affirmed that the company would respect the outcome of the recognition vote, stating that management supports the employees' choice. The union campaign has garnered support from other sectors of the games industry, such as SAG-AFTRA and the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

Alex Marshall, president of the IWGB, highlighted the significance of the vote as an opportunity for Rockstar employees to take control over their working conditions, noting that what happens at Rockstar matters beyond the studio. As Rockstar prepares to launch GTA VI, the company will learn whether its UK workforce voted to secure a formal seat at the negotiating table.