Several former Rockstar Games developers who allege they were terminated due to unionization efforts are appealing to the public not to boycott Grand Theft Auto 6. Instead, they are requesting that players support their ongoing legal fight against the company by purchasing merchandise.
These developers, among over 30 former staff members dismissed in October 2025 during union-organizing activities, shared their message in a video released by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). They addressed the question of a potential boycott directly, stating, "Don’t boycott GTA 6. Win justice for the people who helped make it." They emphasized their desire for players to experience the game they helped create, while still holding Rockstar accountable.
The IWGB has characterized Rockstar’s actions as a severe instance of union-busting within the gaming industry. The union officially filed legal claims against Rockstar in November 2025, asserting that the company illegally terminated the employees for leaking information about GTA 6. A trial to determine the legality of these firings is scheduled to commence in September, with the former employees seeking support to challenge Rockstar, a company with substantial financial 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 developers stated 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 the right."
To aid in their legal efforts, the former employees are selling T-shirts featuring the IWGB logo and a design created by the dismissed developers. Proceeds from these sales will directly fund their court case against Rockstar Games. The developers concluded their appeal by saying, "So if you love GTA, but hate union-busting, don’t boycott the game; support our legal battle instead."
Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles, and is anticipated to be one of the largest game launches in history.