Report Suggests Rockstar Fired Staff Over Discord Discussions Concerning Internal Slack Changes
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
A new People Make Games report suggests Rockstar Games fired 34 employees for discussing internal Slack policy updates on a private union Discord server, drawing union-busting allegations from the IWGB.
A recent investigative report from People Make Games sheds new light on the dismissal of 34 Rockstar Games employees last month. According to a studio insider, these workers were fired for gross misconduct after discussing internal company messages on a private, invite-only Discord server shared between staff and the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain. The server, active since 2022, was used primarily to discuss compensation, bonuses, and general workplace conditions rather than confidential game files or unreleased project details.
The catalyst for the internal investigation and subsequent terminations appears to be the sharing of updates regarding changes to internal Slack policies. Rockstar recently removed several non-work chat channels and restricted external email access, prompting staff to discuss these updates off-hours in the union Discord server. Following a tip to management, the studio launched an investigation that aligned with the timeline of the October dismissals. The IWGB has since launched a legal claim alleging unfair dismissal and union-busting against the studio.
This situation highlights the ongoing friction between major game developers and the growing push for unionization across the industry. As gaming continues to evolve into a massive global entertainment sector, workforce organization and internal communication policies remain critical issues for both players and creators. For a more detailed breakdown of the leaked server messages and the ongoing legal battle, you can read the full report originally covered by Ed Nightingale at Eurogamer.
Tags: Rockstar Games, Industry News, Unionization, Discord, Grand Theft Auto VI
Original article: Eurogamer