Rockstar HR Director Testifies on 'Mole' and Timing of GTA 6 Firings
Rockstar HR director Charlie Kinloch testified in Glasgow that he acted on union-related leaks only in October 2025 due to heightened commercial sensitivity, despite having access to such information for 18 months. The tribunal is examining whether 34 firings were for misconduct or union busting.
Key points
- Kinloch admitted receiving screenshots from an anonymous employee ('AB') regarding union activity for over two years but delayed action until October 2025.
- Rockstar claims 34 employees were fired for gross misconduct and leaking confidential GTA 6 information, not for union membership.
- The IWGB argues the firings were timed to prevent the union from reaching the 10% recognition threshold in the UK.
- Kinloch stated he had 'little interest' in tracking specific union membership, focusing instead on preventing public disparagement of the company.
- The firings occurred days before Rockstar announced a delay for GTA 6 from May to November 2026, prompting speculation about the link between the two events.
Background
This hearing follows months of legal filings in a Glasgow employment tribunal. Previous coverage established that Rockstar fired 34 workers in October 2025, with 31 being IWGB members. The company has cited stringent security measures, including drone surveillance and strict no-photography rules, to justify its actions, comparing its secrecy to Apple or Coca-Cola. The IWGB has alleged that a 'watch list' was formed after a 2023 remote-work petition, and that the firings were a direct response to the union approaching the statutory recognition threshold.
How outlets are covering it
Kotaku and Eurogamer both report on the testimony of Charlie Kinloch, Rockstar’s HR director, but emphasize different aspects of his defense. Kotaku highlights the contradiction in Kinloch’s timeline, noting that he had access to 'disparaging' comments from March and June 2025 but only acted in October, arguing that the urgency was linked to the upcoming GTA 6 announcement. Eurogamer focuses on Kinloch’s claim that he had 'little interest' in knowing which employees were specifically IWGB members, suggesting he was concerned with general 'disparagement' rather than union status. Both outlets note the dispute over the 'mole' (AB), with the claimants arguing Rockstar paid AB for spying, while Rockstar claims AB acted voluntarily. Eurogamer also notes that Kinloch cited the potential for journalists to leak information as a key factor in the timing of the firings.
Why it matters
The outcome of this tribunal could set a precedent for union recognition in the UK gaming industry. If the IWGB is found to have been unlawfully dismissed, it may strengthen the case for union recognition at Rockstar and other studios. The timing of the firings relative to the GTA 6 delay has also raised questions about the impact of labor disputes on major game releases. The case highlights the tension between corporate secrecy and worker rights in the high-profile gaming sector.
What to watch
The hearing will continue next week, with more Rockstar management witnesses expected to testify. The tribunal is expected to last several weeks, with a final decision pending. The IWGB has asked players not to boycott GTA 6 but to support their legal battle. The game is scheduled to release in November 2026.
- Rockstar HR Questioned Over Discord 'Mole' And Sudden Timing Of GTA 6 Dev Firings In Latest Labor Tribunal Hearing Kotaku
- HR boss at Grand Theft Auto maker denies trying to destroy evidence The Times
- Employee dismissed from GTA developer believes workers were put on ‘watch list’ Thurrock Gazette
- Rockstar HR manager claims he had "little interest" in staff's union membership status as fired GTA dev union-busting trail heats up Eurogamer.net
- Ex-employee denies claims staff ‘disparaged and defamed’ GTA VI developer Hillingdon Times
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