Sacked GTA worker claims Rockstar placed staff on 'watch list'

A former Rockstar North employee has told an employment tribunal that colleagues were placed on a 'watch list' after signing a petition about remote working, as the gaming giant faces allegations it unlawfully fired workers for union activity.

Dayne Oram testified that Rockstar North 'kept an eye' on a small group of union members after the petition was submitted in spring 2023 Source: BBC. The Guardian reports Oram believed there was a connection between the petition signatories and the eventual firings in 2025, though Rockstar's lawyer noted that 141 of 154 signatories were not dismissed Source: The Guardian.

The dismissals

Some 34 Rockstar workers were sacked last year, with 23 of those based in Scotland taking part in the tribunal Source: BBC; The Guardian. Most were based at the company's Edinburgh headquarters, with others in Canada Source: BBC. The workers were helping to develop Grand Theft Auto VI, set for release on 19 November, which has reportedly generated over $3bn (£2.27bn) in preorders Source: The Guardian.

The dispute

Rockstar denies the allegations, arguing the workers were dismissed for 'gross misconduct' after sharing confidential information in a Discord forum used by about 300 employees Source: BBC; The Guardian. Oram helped set up and moderate the forum, where Rockstar's lawyer said disparaging remarks were made about management, including messages calling one manager a 'cowardly corporate f****' and another a 'c***' Source: The Guardian. Oram acknowledged he would 'remake' some moderation decisions but said moderators did not want to 'over-police' the channel Source: The Guardian.

The case is expected to last about six weeks, with Rockstar witnesses testifying in October Source: The Guardian. The company remains in talks with current workers seeking official union recognition before GTA VI's launch Source: The Guardian.