Harsh criticism has been directed at the developers behind the GTA series. Several employees have been fired – the reasons seem dubious.
That big gaming companies do not always enjoy the best reputation in dealing with their employees is an old story. However, it repeatedly happens that particularly drastic cases make headlines and ignite discussions. This is now also the case with Rockstar Games. Allegedly, several employees were fired because they wanted to join a union. The company denies this and cites other reasons.
Masses are waiting for GTA VI – the next, really big game:
Rockstar denies the allegations
What has been revealed? An article from the magazine Bloomberg by renowned industry insider Jason Schreier alleges that Take-Two Interactive and its subsidiary Rockstar Games fired between 30 and 40 employees because they wanted to form a “union” (comparable to a labor union). Those affected worked either in the United Kingdom or Canada, as explained by a spokesperson for the IWGB (Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain).
All the affected individuals were reportedly part of a private union chat group on Discord and were either part of that union or were attempting to organize one.
According to the president of the IWGB, Alex Marshall, he stated about the incident:
Rockstar has just executed one of the boldest and most ruthless forms of union busting in the history of the gaming industry. This shameless contempt for the law and the lives of employees, who bring in billions for them, is an affront to fans and the global industry.
What does Rockstar say about this? Rockstar itself denies these allegations and explains that a small number of employees were fired due to “gross misconduct.” They categorically reject the accusation that the firings were due to union activities.
Alan Lewis from Take-Two also commented on this (Bloomberg.com), stating that the dismissals were “due to gross misconduct and for no other reason” and that they “fully support the approach and ambitions of Rockstar.”
No matter how the truth ultimately looks, this story casts a bad light on Rockstar or the gaming industry in general. It increasingly occurs that actions are taken against the establishment of unions or works councils.
In other companies, the establishment of such “unions” has also been successful. Last year, employees around World of Warcraft were able to form their own union, consisting of more than 500 employees.
