While there have been some calls to boycott Grand Theft Auto 6 amongst gamers in light of developer Rockstar Games allegedly partaking in union-busting activities, former employees have released a new video asking fans not to do so. Rather, they would prefer it if their supporters would support the fired workers’ legal battle against the developer.
Among those fired by Rockstar in 2025 is Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB)’s games workers’ branch member, who said in a statement that, “We poured years of our lives into helping build this game. We don’t want you to boycott it. We want you to help us fight for justice.”
“Since Rockstar fired us suddenly last year, we’ve seen an incredible outpouring of support from gamers and workers around the world. Some people have asked whether they should boycott GTA VI to protest on our behalf. But there’s a better way to support us and hold Rockstar to account.”
To give fans a way to support them, the workers have opened up pre-orders for a new T-shirt dubbed the “Rockstar 34 Solidarity T-shirt”. The T-shirt will be available to pre-order until August 30th, and will be shipped out to buyers by mid-September. It is priced at £25.
“Show your support for the 34 former Rockstar employees by pre-ordering this limited-run Rockstar 34 T-shirt,” reads its description. “Designed by the workers and ethically produced, every purchase goes directly to the Fighting Fund that supports the fired workers and their historic legal case as they head into the final hearing this September.”
“This t-shirt is a clear, visible statement of solidarity – a reminder that workers don’t face injustice alone, that workers and gamers worldwide believe in the rights to organise and fair treatment, and are willing to stand up to help protect those rights.”
Just last month, the IWGB had applied for Rockstar Games to voluntarily recognize an internal union at the studio, which would make the GTA developer the second UK-based game developer to do so alongside ZA/UM. Among those speaking out in support of this application is QA tester Josh Walter, who spoke about wanting to protect workers’ rights, especially after the effort that often goes into the game’s development. Production coordinator Shanti Easton-Stell also spoke about how the recognition of the union would be a “landmark moment” for the workers.
“It’s thanks to the hard work of so many of our members — both those currently with us and those who were fired last October — that we are now in a strong enough position to pursue formal recognition. Whilst it’s painful that our dismissed colleagues are not here to share this milestone moment, the best way we can honour their contribution now is by succeeding in the fight they helped us to start and making them proud to have been a part of it.”
Rockstar Games has been facing quite a few problems when it comes to how it treats its employees, especially after it fired more than 30 workers back in November 2025 due to what has been referred to as attempts at union-busting.
