'The modern workplace runs on fear ... today we are fighting fear': Fired Grand Theft Auto 6 dev calls out Rockstar in impassioned pre-trial speech

A workplace tribunal hearing in Glasgow marks the culmination of a dispute between Rockstar Games and 31 former employees terminated in October 2025. The Independent Workers of Great Britain union alleges the firings were retaliatory union-busting measures rather than justified disciplinary actions. Rockstar maintains the employees were dismissed for leaking details about unannounced upcoming games in a public forum. The tribunal will determine whether the terminations were lawful and may order reinstatement or compensation.

Former Rockstar programmer Rachel Crawford, who worked on Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, delivered a keynote speech at a Glasgow rally ahead of the hearing. Crawford described the emotional toll of her October 30, 2025 dismissal, which occurred without warning or explanation. She recounted widespread fear among colleagues, who avoided contact or expressed helplessness in the aftermath of the firings. The speech framed the tribunal as a confrontation with workplace intimidation.

The union’s campaign emphasizes systemic fear in the gaming industry, urging workers to challenge retaliatory firings and demand fair treatment. Organizers stress that the hearing coincides with the upcoming November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto 6, positioning the case as a test of accountability in the sector. Supporters are encouraged to contribute to a fundraising effort backing the legal action rather than boycotting the game.

The hearing is scheduled to conclude on October 16, one month before the console launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The union has explicitly asked the public not to boycott the title, asserting that former employees contributed years of creative labor to the project. A separate fundraising campaign has been launched to support the workers’ legal fight against Rockstar.