A union has called on Grand Theft Auto 6 maker Rockstar Games to address issues around working conditions for developers.
The blockbuster video game, due to be released in November, is expected to be one of the most successful of all time.
The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) Video Game Workers Union called for official recognition from Rockstar, saying it wanted to address pay transparency, flexible working arrangements and overtime expectations.
Some of its members have brought legal action against the company, claiming they were illegally sacked last October for union activity. Rockstar has strenuously denied this and accused them of committing gross misconduct.
The IWGB says members at Edinburgh-based Rockstar, which also has UK studios in Dundee, Lincoln, Leeds and London, began organising in 2019 and claimed there had been improvements in working conditions since then.
It said there had been “unprecedented” average pay rises and financial incentives offered for “crunch” – a video game industry term for excessive, sometimes unpaid, overtime in the lead-up to a game’s release.
Articles published around the time of Rockstar’s last big game, Red Dead Redemption 2, suggested the practice was widespread within the company, external, although it rejected claims it was enforced.
More recent reports from Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, external said the company has tried to avoid excessive overtime on GTA 6.
The union said official recognition would allow it to open formal channels to discuss issues such as crunch, pay transparency and flexible working with Rockstar’s management.
UK workers are able to join a union without formal recognition, but being part of an official union grants them extra rights and protections, the IWGB said.
Currently, the only UK studio with a recognised union is ZA/UM, the developer of RPG Disco Elysium.
BBC News
Khamrah by Lattafa for Men - 3.4 oz EDP Spray
4% OffGhost Sweetheart Eau de Toilette | Pineapple, Jasmine and Sandalwood | Perfume for Women 50 ml
50% OffMarc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum for Women, 100 ml
42% OffTed Baker W Eau de Toilette for Her, Fig Leaf, White Peony and Violet Top Notes, Pink Orchid and Raspberry Middle Notes, 75ml
£11.77 (£15.69 / 100 ml) (as of 20/10/2026 06:36 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ted Baker Woman Pink Eau de Toilette Spray Floral Green Feminine Fragrance, Opening Notes are Fresh Peach, Bergamot and Tangerine with Warm Musk, Vanilla and Vetiver Base, 100ml
11% OffVera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30 ml
Choco Musk 50ml Eau De Parfum for men and women | Chocolate Musk by Jannat Aromas
17% OffChristina Aguilera Signature Eau de Parfum (50ml) Floral, Fruity & Exotic Scent, Luxury Fragrance for Women
9% OffCalvin Klein - Eau De Toilette CKIN2U - Calvin Klein Women, Ladies Perfume, Women's Perfume, Calvin Klein Perfume, Calvin Klein One - 150 ml
5% OffJimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum, 60 ml (Pack of 1)
3% OffFruit of the Loom Men's Heavy T Shirt, White, XL UK
Now retrieving the rating.
28% OffATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap,USB Rechargeable Running Hat Ultra Bright 4 LED Waterproof Light Winter Warm Gifts for Men and Women/Pink
Now retrieving the rating.
17% OffMen's 1/4 Zip Pullover UK Sale Clearance, Fleece Sweatshirt Casual Jumper Long Sleeve T-shirt Top Stand Collar Sweater Plain Pullover Sports Leisure Workwear Quarter Zip Sweater Lightweight Jumpers
Now retrieving the rating.
£5.88 (as of 12/11/2025 00:52 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
