Ten years, thousands of staff and a billion dollars: the exclusive inside story of Grand Theft Auto VI

The countdown to Grand Theft Auto VI’s release is ticking away at Rockstar’s headquarters, but the atmosphere is not purely celebratory. A legal battle over alleged union-busting is set to reach a critical juncture just days before the game launches, adding a layer of tension to the company's historic moment.

The case concerns 34 former employees who were dismissed last year. They claim they were fired for their involvement in unionisation efforts at the company. The tribunal, which was initially scheduled to conclude in October, has been extended to run right up to the release of the game.

During a court hearing in Glasgow, Rockstar’s head of publishing, Jennifer Kolbe, was testifying. Outside the courthouse, former employees and representatives from the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) held a protest.

A massive release

For the gaming industry, GTA VI is a lifeline. It is expected to become the most profitable piece of entertainment ever made, with projections of tens of millions of copies sold and billions in revenue within its first year. Its predecessor, GTA V, sold 230 million copies, setting an unprecedented benchmark.

The game’s setting is Vice City in the state of Leonida, a neon-soaked parody of Miami. This new location, filled with sleaze, struggle, and criminal underworlds, has already generated massive global interest.

Global anticipation

The 13-year wait for a new Grand Theft Auto has created an intense level of anticipation. The game’s debut trailer on Netflix briefly overwhelmed the streaming platform’s servers, and players worldwide are planning to take days off work to experience the launch together.

Despite the legal challenges, the company is preparing for a massive release. The game is set to be a defining cultural moment, bringing players together in a rare shared global experience.