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Rockstar Games Union Vote Set for November 12-26 2026 Amid GTA VI Launch

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Core Event: Employees to Decide Union Recognition

Rockstar Games employees will cast votes on whether to recognise the Rockstar Game Workers Union (affiliated with the Independent Workers of Great Britain, IWGB) from November 12 2026 through November 26 2026. The ballot coincides with the scheduled release of *Grand Theft Auto VI* on November 19 2026 and overlaps the closing submissions of an employment tribunal on November 17-18 2026. A “yes” vote would make the union the largest recognised body in the UK video-games sector.

IGN Entertainment

02

Background & Context

The union drive began several years ago, intensifying after Rockstar’s 2025 dismissal of more than 30 staff members alleged to have leaked confidential information on a union Discord. The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) filed an employment tribunal claiming the firings were unlawful and constituted union-busting. Rockstar maintains the terminations were for “gross misconduct.” Negotiations between studio management and the IWGB continued throughout 2026, producing a proposed recognition deal covering pay, bonuses, overtime, redundancies, flexible working and generative-AI policies.

IGN Entertainment

Visual evidence

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03

Data & Statistics

  • Fired staff: reports cite “over 30” employees (Eurogamer, Gamedeveloper) and a specific figure of 31.
Rockstar workers to vote on unionization right as GTA VI launches
  • Industry impact: If approved, the union would become the biggest recognised union in the UK games industry.
Rockstar Games employees have locked in a union vote next month, and it'll take place over Grand Theft Auto 6's release window
  • Financial backdrop: Take-Two Interactive projects $8 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2027, partly driven by GTA VI sales.
Rockstar workers to vote on unionization right as GTA VI launches

04

Official Statements & Responses

  • Take-Two Interactive highlighted the GTA VI launch as a key revenue driver, projecting $8 billion for FY 2027.
Some developers will celebrate the release of GTA VI by voting on a Rockstar Games union

05

Criticism & Opposition

The IWGB alleges the 2025 dismissals were unlawful and constitute union-busting, arguing that the firings were a retaliatory response to union organising. Rockstar counters that the employees were terminated for “gross misconduct” after sharing confidential information on a union-related Discord channel. Both sides cite the same tribunal proceedings, but present opposite interpretations of the underlying facts.

Rockstar Games employees have locked in a union vote next month, and it'll take place over Grand Theft Auto 6's release window

06

Verbatim Quotes

  • “For me, this vote comes down to ensuring employees at Rockstar get honesty and openness surrounding the decisions that affect them,” — Committee Member Shanti Easton-Steel
Rockstar workers to vote on unionization right as GTA VI launches

07

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

  • Spelling of the publishing head: Eurogamer and IGN name her Jennifer Kolbe, while Gamedeveloper lists Jennifer Koble.
Rockstar workers to vote on unionization right as GTA VI launches
  • Number of dismissed employees: Sources differ between a specific count of 31 and a vague “over 30” (Eurogamer, Gamedeveloper).
Rockstar workers to vote on unionization right as GTA VI launches
  • The vote outcome and any subsequent bargaining agreements remain unknown pending the November 26 result.
Some developers will celebrate the release of GTA VI by voting on a Rockstar Games union

08

What’s Next

  • November 26 2026: Voting closes; results will be announced thereafter.
Some developers will celebrate the release of GTA VI by voting on a Rockstar Games union
  • November 17-18 2026: Tribunal closing submissions are submitted, with a decision expected later in the year.
Rockstar workers to vote on unionization right as GTA VI launches
  • The interplay between the union vote, tribunal ruling and GTA VI sales will shape the immediate future of labour relations at Rockstar Games.
IGN Entertainment