- By Prateek Levi
- Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Recently surfaced leaks tied to Rockstar Games have pushed the studio into yet another major controversy, exposing internal Discord conversations that allegedly contributed to the dismissal of more than 30 employees. The details, revealed through a People Make Games investigation, have sharpened industry scrutiny at a time when accusations of union suppression continue to gain traction.
The fallout has been immediate. Developers, labour groups, and long-time fans are openly questioning how one of gaming’s most influential companies handled employee concerns—and whether the studio acted in good faith.
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How a Private Discord Became a Flashpoint
According to a Rockstar insider interviewed by People Make Games, the Discord server at the center of the issue dates back to 2022. It was originally created as an invite-only space for employees quietly exploring unionisation efforts. Newcomers were placed in general channels, while those who openly supported organising were granted access to private discussion rooms.
At its height, the server reportedly included more than 300 Rockstar employees and union representatives. The insider insists that written guidelines governed behaviour and that no confidential internal details were intentionally shared. The discussions instead focused on workplace issues such as bonuses, communication rules, and long-standing concerns about studio culture.
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A Tense Shift in Late 2025
The situation escalated dramatically in late 2025. In October, Rockstar leadership reportedly removed several Slack channels dedicated to casual conversations—pets, hobbies, and other non-work interests. Management allegedly viewed them as productivity drains, but many employees pushed back.
Leaked Discord messages show how quickly frustration grew. One fired employee wrote, “I would really like to see the evidence for them being too much of a productivity hit. I can't imagine it being worth the absolute dumpster fire this will be for morale.”
Another stated, “The productivity point is a load of sh*t, and everybody knows it.”
People Make Games reports that the real turning point arrived when a Discord participant—identified as a non-union member—forwarded an internal Slack policy email to senior leadership. That act allegedly opened the door for management to access the server and begin reviewing historical message logs.
34 Firings and a Wave of Accusations
An internal investigation followed. By early November, Rockstar had terminated 34 employees for what it described as “gross misconduct”. Many of the fired workers were among the most active in union-related discussions, a detail that rapidly intensified allegations that policy enforcement was being used to stifle organising momentum.
Industry Pushback and Employee Demands
The backlash has grown steadily since the terminations. More than 220 current employees have reportedly signed a letter condemning the firings and calling for the reinstatement of those dismissed. Inside the studio, the mood has shifted into open concern, with many seeing the move as a way to weaken employee solidarity ahead of major upcoming launches, including Grand Theft Auto 6.
FAQs
What sparked the controversy at Rockstar?
Leaked Discord messages connected to employee discussions triggered concerns about how Rockstar handled the situation internally.
Why were workers using a Discord server?
Employees used it as an informal, off-platform space to discuss workplace issues and organising efforts outside of official communication channels.