Rockstar Dismisses Staff Over Slack Policy Discussions on Discord
Rockstar Games recently dismissed 34 employees for what it described as “gross misconduct,” a move that has raised significant controversy. Reports indicate that this decision stemmed from discussions regarding the company’s Slack policies in a private Discord server.
Background on the Dismissals
According to a report by People Make Games, the dismissals were linked to conversations about Slack policy changes. These discussions took place within an invite-only Discord server created in 2022 for employees interested in unionization.
Details of the Discord Server
- The server hosted members from the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) union.
- It featured secure channels for private discussions between union representatives and employees.
- A general channel was used for both unionized and non-unionized staff to engage with each other.
Recent Changes to Slack Policies
In early October, Rockstar shut down several internal Slack channels. This included a popular forum dedicated to gaming news and industry updates. The company cited productivity concerns as the reason for these closures.
Additionally, new restrictions were placed on what employees could post in their Slack status messages. Access to company emails from outside the office was also limited.
Response to Policy Changes
When the changes to the Slack policies were communicated, some employees were not present in the office. Consequently, those who received the updates shared this information on Discord. One employee reportedly informed Rockstar management about these discussions, leading to an investigation of the server.
Consequences of the Investigation
As a result of this investigation, Rockstar dismissed 34 employees. The company’s parent organization, Take-Two Interactive, has characterized this as a case of “gross misconduct.” Those dismissed were reportedly not found to have shared any confidential information, according to interviews by People Make Games.
Union Response and Solidarity Actions
The IWGB union has condemned Rockstar’s actions as an attempt at union suppression, claiming that the dismissals were an effort to dismantle solidarity among workers. IWGB president Alex Marshall emphasized the normalcy of employees discussing their working conditions and criticized the company’s severe response.
In solidarity with the dismissed workers, over 200 employees from Rockstar North have signed a letter urging for their reinstatement. Protests have also taken place in major cities like London and Edinburgh.
Amidst these developments, Take-Two Interactive has not offered further comments beyond its initial statements regarding the dismissals. The situation continues to unfold, raising questions about workplace transparency and employee rights.
