The gaming world's most anticipated release just got more complicated. Rockstar Games announced Thursday that Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed to November 19, 2026—six months later than its previously scheduled May 2026 release date. But the delay isn't the only storm cloud hanging over the blockbuster title.
This marks the second major postponement for GTA VI, which was originally slated for fall 2025. In a statement, Rockstar apologized for "adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait," citing the need for "the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve".
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized the stakes, telling press the company is "seeking to release the most extraordinary title anyone's ever seen in the history of entertainment"—a tall order that apparently requires more development time.
Union Busting Allegations Rock the Studio
Behind the scenes, Rockstar is facing serious accusations. Between 30 and 40 employees across UK and Canadian offices were fired on October 30, all of them part of a private trade union Discord group. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has condemned the move as "the most ruthless act of union busting in the history of the UK games industry."
According to an anonymous Rockstar employee posting on GTAForums, the fired workers included senior artists, animators, QA testers, designers, programmers, and producers—some with over 18 years at the company.
The employee claims workers were summoned to brief HR meetings under friendly pretenses, then handed termination letters citing "gross misconduct" related to Discord posts, with no evidence provided and no union representation allowed.
Rockstar has since clarified its position, stating it "took action against a small number of individuals who were found to be distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum" and insisting the firings were unrelated to union activities. However, Take-Two executives maintain the employee dismissals are "entirely separate" from the GTA VI delay.
What This Means for Gamers and the Industry
The timing couldn't be more fraught. The union had reportedly reached over 200 members—crossing the 10% threshold needed to seek formal recognition and begin collective bargaining over issues like crunch culture, inadequate pay, and rigid working arrangements.
Take-Two's stock sank 7% in after-hours trading following the delay announcement, reflecting investor concerns about the project's extended timeline. Meanwhile, remaining employees describe working "in fear," with morale "at rock bottom" according to the GTAForums post.
For an industry already grappling with labor issues, the Rockstar situation represents a critical test case. If these allegations hold up in court, it could set precedent for worker protections across the gaming sector—an industry notorious for demanding work conditions.
The IWGB is pursuing legal action to reinstate the dismissed employees and has launched a fundraiser to support those fighting their terminations. As the November 2026 release date approaches, all eyes will be on whether Rockstar can deliver its promised masterpiece while addressing the human cost of its production.