Representatives of Rockstar Games, the publisher of GTA VI (Grand Theft Auto), are expected at the employment tribunal in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 10th. Protesters are holding signs outside the Glasgow Tribunal Centre.
This week, a case is being heard in the Scottish employment court filed by 23 dismissed employees of Rockstar Games—the studio that created the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI.
In October last year, 31 employees from the UK and three from Canada were laid off. The reason for the dismissals was the alleged dissemination of confidential information via the Discord platform. The US-owned company Rockstar is known for its culture of secrecy.
The court hearing, which will last more than a month, takes place shortly before the release of the latest GTA installment on November 19th. The gangster action shooter series, starting with the original game in 1997, has sold over 470 million copies worldwide.
Lloyd Knott, who worked on visual effects for GTA VI, criticized the 'culture of fear' in the industry during an interview with AFP in Glasgow, where the hearing is taking place. The 42-year-old Knott is a member of the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain, which is seeking reinstatement or compensation for the dismissed workers.
IWGB claims that workers in Scotland have been persecuted for their union activities and considers the method of dismissal 'unlawful,' noting the absence of disciplinary procedures or the right to appeal. Knott added that 'you feel like being a union member puts you in the crosshairs.'
Branimira Jordanova, who was fired from her position as a lighting artist, reported that the dismissal left her worried about losing her housing. The 31-year-old woman told AFP that although she managed to find temporary work after being let go, that job has now ended.
The game was developed in Edinburgh by Rockstar, a subsidiary of the American giant Take-Two Interactive. Around forty people gathered near the courthouse in Glasgow on Thursday with banners condemning 'union busting.'
The company issued the following statement: 'Rockstar Games' position has been clear and consistent throughout. Employees from the UK and Canada were dismissed for gross misconduct related to the dissemination of confidential company information, not due to alleged membership or activity in a union.' The company added: 'We reject these claims and will vigorously defend them before the tribunal.'
The development of GTA VI took place under extreme secrecy; however, leaks from an unknown source showed footage of the game, prompting Rockstar Games to release an extended preview at the end of August.