A few developers that were fired last month by Rockstar Games have shared their thoughts on what has been going down. The GTA 6 studio sacked nearly 40 staff members over what they called “gross misconduct” despite a union claiming it the company were union busting.
We reported on how several of those affected developers, union organisers, fans and members of the public protested multiple times last week. Two large protests took place outside of both Rockstar North and Take-Two’s London office.
Boots On The Ground
Now we have some words from some of those Rockstar Games developers via YouTube channel People Make Games who were at the scene of the Edinburgh based protest. In their latest video, footage from the protest can be seen as the story is told.
Host Chris Bratt spoke to staff members who gave their side of the story meanwhile other developers who wish to remain anonymous had messages read out aloud:
“The energy. The excitement. That spark that made this place so special is now shattered. (…) And it’s heartbreaking because right now when we should be more united and focused on the project (GTA VI) than ever, most of us are scared, hurt and feel uncertain. – Rockstar Employee
These emotions are similar to ones shared by a current Rockstar Games employee that posted on the GTA Forums last week. They claimed morale, at least in the main studio, is an at all time low.
Here’s what another fired employee, that has spent 11 years at Rockstar, had to say:
“We thought we could build a better workplace. Work directly with our workers and work directly with management in doing that. And at every opportunity, we were trying to adhere to every policy, trying to do things that doesn’t ruffle feathers, that does things that aligns with the company’s values.” – Rockstar Employee
Host Chris Bratt reveals he was told by people close to the situation appeals over the firings were submitted to Rockstar. Now we wait for what happens next. You can watch the full video by People Make Games here.
UPDATE 12/11:
Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reports the IWGB have filed legal claims against Rockstar.
In other Rockstar Games and Edinburgh news, the company are sponsoring a yearly triathlon event once again. Learn more about it here. Plus, more long-time employees left Rockstar last week but by their own choice; all from the same department…find out about that situation in our report.
Be sure to stay tuned to RockstarINTEL for all the latest news on Rockstar Games and GTA VI.
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