The clock is ticking for Rockstar Games, but at a time we should all be readying our consoles for the next entry in the long-running Grand Theft Auto series, it seems we've got a flat tire.
Many thought it was ambitious to hope we'd have GTA 6 in our hands by Christmas 2025, and earlier this year, those fears were realized when the automotive adventure was bumped to May 2026.
This still wasn't enough, and as the rumor mill went into overdrive, Rockstar Games twisted the knife further when it announced another delay to November 19.
Timing was unfortunate because the latest delay came just after dozens of employees were fired, although Rockstar claimed it was for leaking company secrets. The gaming giant has faced a barrage of controversy and has been accused of union-busting while trying to blame staff for ongoing issues.
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We're getting whiffs of the final stages of Red Dead Redemption 2's development cycle, and while the 2018 cowboy caper went on to be remembered as one of the greatest video games of all time, it got caught in a crunch controversy.
Things culminated in a now-infamous claim that writers had worked "100-hour weeks," while Rockstar inadvertently sparked a wider debate about conditions in the video game industry, but promised to readdress the work-life balance of its employees.
The acclaimed developer is back in the firing line amid accusations of mistreatment, with employees banding together to sign a petition that demands their former colleagues be reinstated.
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Now, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain says 220 staffers have signed a letter that implores senior management to pull a U-turn on the firings. One dismissed worker cheered: "It’s heartwarming to see so many of our colleagues supporting us and holding management to account - during a period where Rockstar want us to feel scared, my brave former colleagues are marching straight up to our boss’s door and demanding our voices are heard and not backing down."
The defiant worker continued: "It’s clear to everyone close to this situation that this is a blatant, unapologetic act of vicious union busting. Rockstar employs so many talented game developers, all of whom are crucial to making the games we put out.”
The IWGB has already filed legal action, claiming that the dismissal was "unacceptable and unlawful," as well as maintaining that its hand was forced when Rockstar refused to "resolve the matter through negotiation." Having issued formal legal claims on behalf of the claimants, the IWGB added: "Our members allege that Rockstar’s conduct constitutes trade union victimisation and blacklisting."
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If that wasn't enough, there's also mounting pressure from the British government.
As pointed out by PC Gamer, Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine discussed the firings in Parliament, saying: "Could I have a meeting with the relevant minister to discuss what steps could be taken to support the workforce?"
There have been continued protests at Rockstar North and Take-Two offices in Edinburgh, others in London and Paris, more in Edinburgh, and French game industry union Le Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo planning its own protest at Take-Two's Paris office in Paris.
It's unclear how this will impact GTA 6's development at this crucial stage, but at a time when all heads should be down in hopes of delivering the next game without having to move it again, this is the last thing Rockstar needs right now.