The November 19, 2026, launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S could face delays as developers at Rockstar Games formally demand union recognition. Pre-orders for the highly anticipated title have already topped global sales charts.
This development introduces uncertainty for the upcoming release, a title expected to contribute significantly to parent company Take-Two Interactive’s projected fiscal year 2027 revenue of $8 billion to $8.2 billion. Formal union recognition would provide developers with collective bargaining power on critical workplace issues.
The Rockstar Game Workers Union, operating under the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), submitted a request for voluntary recognition to Rockstar Games. Their key objectives include pay transparency, fairer practices regarding excessive overtime (known as “crunch”), and strengthening flexible working arrangements.
Rockstar Games confirmed receiving the request and stated it values open dialogue, planning to meet with the union. The studio has 10 working days to respond to the voluntary recognition demand. If Rockstar declines, the union can escalate its application to the Department for Business and Trade’s Central Arbitration Committee for statutory recognition.
The push for unionization follows accusations of “union busting” by Rockstar in 2025, when 31 employees involved in union activity were reportedly fired. The IWGB is challenging these dismissals through an employment tribunal.
The broader video game industry has seen increasing calls for improved working conditions and union representation. If successful, the Rockstar Game Workers Union would become only the second UK games studio with a recognized union, following Disco Elysium developer ZA/UM.
Further updates are expected as the November 19 launch date approaches. The outcome of these demands could establish a significant precedent for labor relations within large-scale game development studios.
