# Grand Theft Auto VI development and legal disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/grand-theft-auto-vi-development-details > Updated: 2026-09-11T09:11:00.000Z. Sources: 90. Developments: 5. The legal battle regarding the dismissal of Rockstar North staff has progressed in a Glasgow employment tribunal. While the previous narrative noted the start of the tribunal on September 10, new details clarify that the dispute involves 23 former employees alleging ‘union busting’ following the dismissal of 34 staff members in October 2025. Of those, 31 were based in Edinburgh and three in Canada. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) contends that discussions on a private Discord server were limited to wages, human resources, and working conditions. In contrast, Rockstar Games maintains the terminations were for ‘gross misconduct’ involving the sharing of confidential information. The company has compared the sensitivity of its project secrets to the ‘Coca-Cola formula or Apple’s iPhone technology.’ During the proceedings, documents surfaced that provided a rare glimpse into development, suggesting internal discussions regarding a potential 32-player online mode for the highly anticipated project. Testimony from former employee Dayne Oram suggested that a petition regarding remote working policies in early 2023 may have resulted in workers being placed on a ‘watch list.’ While Rockstar representatives argued there was a significant time gap between that petition and the dismissals, claimants suggest the actions were connected to ongoing union organizing activities. The tribunal is expected to continue until October 16. As the studio prepares for the official release of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, security concerns persist. Cybersecurity experts continue to warn of malware campaigns using fake ‘leaked downloads’ to spread ransomware and infostealers. ## Claims - The IWGB union alleges Rockstar Games unlawfully dismissed over 30 employees due to union activity. (disputed by 6 sources) - Rockstar Games claims employee dismissals were due to breaches of confidentiality rather than union activity. (disputed by 6 sources) - GTA VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The digital PlayStation 5 release will follow 15 regional time windows, starting in New Zealand and ending in Mexico. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Rockstar Games dismissed 34 employees in October 2025, including 31 at Rockstar North. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Protagonists Jason and Lucia can carry two concealed handguns, but larger weapons will be visible. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sony and Rockstar Games are launching limited-edition GTA 6-themed DualSense controllers for the PlayStation 5. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vehicles in the game will require fuel or electricity and must be refueled regularly. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Malware campaigns are using fake GTA6 downloads to spread RATs, infostealers, and ransomware. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The GTA 6 project was not fully formed when the first trailer was released in December 2023. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Developers conducted field research in Miami to capture the essence of Vice City for GTA 6. (corroborated by 2 sources) - GTA 6 will include a criminal profile system that tracks how players commit crimes. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Rockstar Games faces employment tribunal over union busting allegations Former Rockstar Games employees are challenging their dismissals at an employment tribunal, alleging union busting and retaliation, while the company cites gross misconduct regarding leaked confidential data. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rockstar-games-faces-employment-tribunal-over-union-busting-allegations ### 2026-09-09: Rockstar Games faces employment tribunal over GTA 6 staff dismissals Rockstar Games faces an employment tribunal in Scotland over the alleged unlawful dismissal of 31 employees linked to union activity, amid preparations for the GTA 6 launch in November 2026. 47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grand-theft-auto-vi-features-dynamic-relationship-mechanics ### 2026-09-07: Grand Theft Auto VI set for November 2026 release Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026, with a staggered global release. New mechanics include realistic weapon handling, a Criminal Profile system, and updated driving and sprinting controls. 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grand-theft-auto-vi-introduces-realistic-weapon-and-vehicle-mechanics ### 2026-09-02: Rockstar North head discusses Grand Theft Auto VI development Rockstar North co-head Rob Nelson discusses the high internal pressure and technical advancements in Grand Theft Auto VI, including evolved NPC interactions and a new “Criminal Profile” system. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rockstar-north-head-discusses-grand-theft-auto-vi-development ### 2026-08-28: Rockstar North aims to enhance player agency in Grand Theft Auto VI Rockstar North is focusing on enhancing player agency and narrative choice in Grand Theft Auto VI, building upon lessons learned from the development of Red Dead Redemption 2. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rockstar-north-aims-to-enhance-player-agency-in-grand-theft-auto-vi --- Cite as: Grand Theft Auto VI development and legal disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/grand-theft-auto-vi-development-details