Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games are currently navigating turbulent waters. The anticipated release of GTA 6 has hit yet another snag with its delay now pushing the launch to November 2026. This news coincides with Take-Two’s latest quarterly earnings call. Meanwhile, Rockstar faced internal upheaval after letting go of 30 to 40 employees. The official reason given was the sharing of confidential information publicly, but the affected employees insist their dismissal was linked to union discussions on Discord.
Rockstar’s Company Culture Under Scrutiny
Despite the tumult, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stands by the company’s work environment and labor practices, expressing pride in their accomplishments. He avoided directly addressing accusations of union busting, choosing instead to emphasize the company’s global recognition for being an exemplary employer, with attrition rates significantly lower than industry averages. Rockstar’s commitment to its workforce, Zelnick asserts, is evident in their low turnover and celebrated workplace culture.
When questioned about the company’s stance on unions, Zelnick opted not to give a direct answer. Instead, he highlighted the company’s valued culture and the recognition it has garnered as a top employer both in the U.S. and the UK, underscoring a remarkably low attrition rate compared to the industry norm.
[A spokesperson from Take-Two later confirmed that Rockstar’s global attrition is at 4%, with an even lower rate in the UK. This data was derived from Take-Two’s internal research coupled with various data sources.]
Union Controversy and Public Backlash
The controversy over the firings has sparked significant backlash, with protests erupting outside Rockstar and Take-Two’s UK offices. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claims that only union organizers, apart from Rockstar staff, were part of the private Discord chat. Alex Marshall, representing IWGB, criticized Rockstar for prioritizing anti-union measures over the completion of GTA 6, despite the company’s substantial tax benefits and alleged neglect of employee welfare.
Rockstar, however, maintains that the dismissals were solely due to gross misconduct. This situation is not an isolated incident, as last year Rockstar faced criticism for mandating a return to the office, a move seen as breaking prior commitments to employees, following previous security breaches and leaks related to GTA 6.
The gaming community keenly anticipates GTA 6’s new release date, now set for November 19, 2026.