Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, is facing a tribunal in Glasgow following claims of unfair dismissal by more than 20 former employees. The workers, who were among 34 staff members dismissed in the UK and Canada, allege they were targeted due to their union activities. The dismissals occurred ahead of the November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI, a title expected to become the best-selling video game to date.

Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar’s head of publishing and self-described No. 2 to co-founder and president Sam Houser, testified that she made the decision to terminate the employees. She explained that Houser was informed of the situation but did not participate in the consultation or ask questions about the dismissal process. According to Kolbe, Houser is "a very sensitive person" focused on finishing the game, leading her to handle the matter independently. When questioned whether Houser’s lack of involvement indicated disinterest, Kolbe emphasized that every team member at Rockstar "matters enormously" to the company.

The former employees, supported by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), contend that the dismissals were retaliatory because the group used a private Discord chatroom as an organizing tool for union activities. Rockstar disputes this characterization, maintaining that the firings were based on breaches of information security protocols. The company asserts that the workers shared confidential information about the development of Grand Theft Auto VI via the Discord platform, risking leaks of sensitive material.

Rob Spampinato, Rockstar’s vice-president of human resources based in New York, also provided evidence at the tribunal. He denied allegations that the company sought to deliver an aggressive blow to union members through the dismissals. Spampinato acknowledged awareness of the Discord chatroom since 2023 but said the company’s concern about security escalated significantly in October 2025 after it became apparent the game’s release would be delayed again.

The tribunal remains ongoing as both sides present their arguments over the legality and motivations behind the staff dismissals. Rockstar continues to emphasize the importance of information security in the high-profile project, while the former employees and the union argue the action was taken primarily to suppress union organisation within the company.