Rockstar Games has submitted confidential evidence in a UK employment tribunal, explaining its dismissal of 34 employees amidst a contentious union dispute. This preliminary hearing unveiled allegations of sensitive project information shared on a union-run Discord server. The case intensifies scrutiny on corporate secrecy versus worker organization in the gaming industry.
The Glasgow Employment Tribunal recently rejected a request for interim relief, bringing these details to light. A GamesIndustry.biz report from January 15, 2026, details how this UK employment tribunals system body is now central to the case, involving alleged “confidential information” distributed by the IWGB.
The tribunal hearing revealed that Rockstar was “gravely concerned” by claimants sharing “highly confidential and commercially sensitive information.” This reportedly included specifics about an unannounced live service, such as the planned number of online players and a material feature not yet disclosed by the company. Such leaks represent a significant security challenge for developers.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between a company’s need to protect intellectual property and employees’ rights to organize and discuss working conditions. The IWGB Game Workers branch has been vocal in advocating for better labor practices, making this Rockstar union dispute a key battleground for worker protections in the competitive gaming industry.
The nature of the alleged leaks
The “top secret” evidence from Rockstar included internal discussions involving two fired employees. One chat detailed a new policy limiting time off, where “no more than five people could be off at a time.” Another worker criticized this, noting difficulties in organizing a “32-player session” under such constraints. These exchanges formed a core part of Rockstar’s case.
Rockstar also cited an employee’s Discord message about the absence of crunch in Rockstar North’s QA: “Nothing I’ve heard in North QA! Will keep you updated if anything changes.” Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar’s head of publishing, claimed this message “included information about working patterns” that could “indicate the stage of development of Grand Theft Auto 6.” This was presented as proof of gross misconduct.
The journalist’s role and union rights
A notable aspect of the evidence involved journalist Scott Alsworth, identified by Rockstar as “lurking” on the server. Alsworth, a game writer and narrative designer, also represents the IWGB Game Workers branch. Rockstar argued his dual role posed a “legitimate risk” due to his past articles, including an opinion piece on Grand Theft Auto.
This raises fundamental questions about the boundaries of free association for union representatives, especially given their media background. How companies balance trade secret protection with employees’ legal rights to organize and communicate remains a contentious issue. This case could set a precedent for future unionization efforts in the gaming industry, impacting worker protections.
The Rockstar union dispute case underscores the growing friction between corporate interests in secrecy and the increasing demand for transparency and worker rights in gaming. As legal proceedings continue, the industry watches for precedents that could redefine employer-employee relations regarding confidential information and union activities. This outcome will undoubtedly shape future discussions on labor practices and unionization in game development.
