Rockstar Games Confirms Employee Dismissals Tied to Leaked Gameplay Details

Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that more than 30 employees have been let go following a probe into the unapproved disclosure of confidential details about its forthcoming game, Grand Theft Auto VI.

The company stated that the terminations, which impacted staff mainly in the UK and Canada, were prompted by “gross misconduct” involving the distribution of proprietary game elements in unauthorised public discussion spaces. While Rockstar has not formally authenticated every individual detail posted online, the timing of these dismissals aligns with a widely shared compilation of purported features published by TheGameVerse on X.

Reported Gameplay and World Elements

As per the leaked materials shared by TheGameVerse, Rockstar is striving to deliver a degree of depth and immersion that surpasses all prior entries in the series. The following particulars are said to be among those associated with the internal security breach:

• Over 700 interiors that can be entered, such as stores, shopping malls, and high-rise buildings.
• A weight management system that results in visible alterations to character appearances.
• The 6-star wanted level is rumored to be making a comeback.
• Protagonists Jason and Lucia feature a relationship mechanic that evolves dynamically.
• Vice City is the largest urban environment Rockstar has ever created.
• Instant, seamless switching between characters when both Jason and Lucia are present together in the world.
• Non-player characters respond in varied ways if they detect a player carrying a weapon.
• Underwater exploration areas containing secrets and hidden locations.
• The most polished driving mechanics and vehicle handling in the franchise’s history.
• A restricted system for carrying weapons, requiring surplus equipment to be stored in vehicle trunks.
• Malls and skyscrapers that are fully accessible, complete with functional elevators.
• Advanced police artificial intelligence capable of executing coordinated tactical responses.
• Dynamic weather phenomena, including storm events.
• NPCs adhere to daily schedules and exhibit realistic behavioural patterns.

Legal Background and Studio Position

The dismissals have triggered legal proceedings with the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which is currently representing several of the affected employees in an employment tribunal. The union has voiced concerns about the basis of the firings, indicating they may have been related to efforts to organize labor.

Rockstar Games and its parent company Take-Two Interactive have firmly rejected these assertions. In statements provided to media outlets including IGN during a preliminary hearing held in Glasgow this week (January 2026), the company affirmed that the actions taken were solely a security measure intended to safeguard the creative integrity of the project.

Rockstar emphasized that the unauthorised sharing of game features—including those recently highlighted by sources like TheGameVerse—violates established confidentiality policies and may cause considerable commercial harm to the studio.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for November 2026, with Rockstar stating development is on track. However, industry insider Jason Schreier suggests a possible delay. All eyes remain on whether the game will meet its launch date.