Rockstar Games, the developer behind the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto series, faces a crucial employment tribunal in Glasgow. The proceedings examine claims that 31 employees were unlawfully dismissed for engaging in trade union activities. These Rockstar Games firings are vehemently disputed by the company.
Dayne Oram, a former worker, recently testified at the hearing. He believes a “watch list” targeted employees who signed a 2023 petition regarding remote working. This petition had been sent directly to company leadership.
However, Rockstar maintains a different stance. It asserts that Oram and his colleagues were fired for gross misconduct. Specifically, the company cites the sharing of confidential internal information as the reason for their dismissal.
The dismissed workers had been contributing to Grand Theft Auto VI. This highly anticipated game is scheduled for release on November 19. Analysts predict it will be one of gaming’s largest launches ever.
Much of the tribunal’s focus lies on a Discord forum. Approximately 300 Rockstar employees used this platform to discuss company matters. Oram was instrumental in establishing and moderating the forum.
Rockstar alleges that sensitive information was shared and discussed within this group. Thomas Cordrey, representing Rockstar, highlighted forum rules requiring “professional and constructive” posts. He suggested these rules were frequently ignored.
Cordrey presented several Discord messages during the hearing. These posts reportedly contained disparaging remarks about management. For example, some messages used terms like “cowardly corporate fucks” and “cunt.”
Oram conceded that discussions on the forum could occasionally “get a bit out of hand.” He also admitted he might “remake” some moderation decisions if given another chance. However, he stressed that moderators wished to avoid “over-policing” the channel.
Oram firmly believes a connection exists between the 2023 remote working petition and the 2025 Rockstar Games firings. Yet, Cordrey challenged this assertion. He pointed out that 141 of the 154 petition signatories were not dismissed.
“It was maybe the start of them keeping an eye on things,” Oram told the tribunal. This statement underscores his belief in a targeted approach by the company.
The case is expected to continue for roughly six weeks. Rockstar Games witnesses are scheduled to provide testimony in October. Meanwhile, the company remains in discussions with current employees regarding official union recognition before GTA VI’s launch.
In total, 34 Rockstar workers were fired last year, including three in Canada. Of the 31 based in Scotland, 23 are involved in the current case. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain represents these individuals.
A spokesperson for Rockstar Games reiterated the company’s position. “Individuals… were dismissed for gross misconduct,” the spokesperson stated. They clarified that dismissals followed “the sharing of confidential company information, not because of alleged trade union membership or activity.”
“We reject the claims and will defend them vigorously before the tribunal,” the spokesperson concluded. Judge Lucy Wiseman continues to preside over the tribunal in Glasgow.
