Former Rockstar Developers Urge Players to Support GTA 6: ‘Back the Game, Not the Boycott’
Some developers who claim they were let go from Rockstar Games in 2025 due to their efforts in forming a workplace union are urging fans not to boycott Grand Theft Auto 6 this November. Instead, they’re encouraging players to show their support by purchasing shirts that will help fund their legal fight against Rockstar over alleged union-busting practices.
In a recent video shared by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain, three of the more than 30 former Rockstar employees who were abruptly dismissed while unionizing in October 2025 addressed the gaming community. They responded to the ongoing question of whether fans should boycott GTA 6.
“Don’t boycott GTA 6,” the former employees stated. “Win justice for the people who helped make it.”
They emphasized their dedication, saying, “We spent years pouring our hard work, skill, and creativity into making GTA, and we want people to experience the universe that we helped build. That doesn’t mean we want you to let Rockstar off the hook.”
Following their firings, the IWGB labeled Rockstar’s actions as “one of the most blatant and ruthless acts of union busting in the history of the games industry.” In November 2025, the union officially filed legal claims against Rockstar, which contends that the employees were terminated for leaking information about GTA 6. A trial to determine if the company violated the law is set to begin in September. Ahead of this trial, the dismissed workers are seeking support to challenge Rockstar Games and its substantial resources.
“As a small, grassroots union with limited legal capacity taking on a multi-billion pound company, we’re not headed into this final round on an even footing,” the former employees noted in their video. “But we’ve got something they don’t: Workers and gamers around the world who believe in the right to organize, and are willing to stand with us to protect that right.”
To assist in their legal battle, they are asking players to purchase T-shirts featuring the IWGB name and logo, along with a new design created by the fired developers. The proceeds will go towards supporting their court case against Rockstar Games.
“So if you love GTA, but hate union-busting, don’t boycott the game; support our legal battle instead,” the former devs urged. GTA 6 is set to launch on November 19 on PS5 and Xbox, and it’s anticipated to be one of the largest video game releases in history.
