During a heated session in the British Parliament, studio Rockstar Games was publicly targeted for its recent human resources decisions. At issue: the dismissal of around thirty employees last October and suspicions of union repression. Labor MP Chris Murray called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to respond to these accusations, which are considered serious.
According to Mr. Murray, after a meeting with studio executives, the answers obtained were far from satisfactory. “Has failed to reassure me about respect for labor law and I share their concerns about anti-union measures,” he said. He also recalled a fundamental principle of British labor law: “All businesses, regardless of their size and profitability, must respect British labor law and that all workers have the right to join a union.”
Keir Starmer promises government investigation
Faced with the concern expressed, Prime Minister Keir Starmer wanted to be firm and reassuring. He considered the situation “deeply worrying” and insisted on the government’s commitment to defending trade union freedoms. “Every worker has the right to join a union and we are determined to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure that they do not face any unfair consequences for their union membership,” he said. “Our ministers will examine the specific case raised by Mr. Murray and keep him informed,” he added, promising to follow up on the matter.
Rockstar denies any repression, but tensions persist
On Rockstar’s side, accusations of union repression are categorically rejected. The studio justifies the dismissals by citing serious professional misconduct. According to company officials, the employees involved were caught sharing confidential information. In their words, it was “gross negligence”.
These statements, however, have not calmed the critics. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), particularly active in the video game sector, denounced a “flagrant and merciless” act of union repression. Leaked Discord messages support this version: the incriminated exchanges concern internal discussions on controversial company policies.
A case revealing the social climate in video games
The Rockstar affair highlights an increasingly tense social climate in the video game industry. Long accused of tolerating degrading working conditions, several major studios are facing increasing union demands. The outcome of this case could thus set a precedent in the United Kingdom, in a context where trade union rights are taking on new importance in the technological and creative sector.