Employment Law
Ongoing coverage on Employment Law.
Latest coverage
An honest opinion or defamation? A solicitor outlines the legal nuance
Rockstar Games has accused former employees of defamation in a UK employment tribunal, citing disparaging remarks made in a Discord server. The company, supported by parent Take-Two Interactive, argues that comments like "cowardly corporate fucks" and "sliding downhill into corporate hell" caused serious harm. A solicitor explains the legal nuances of defamation and the "honest opinion" defense in the UK.
UK Employment Rights Act 2025: Harassment law is getting tougher – and games companies need to be ready
The UK Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to harassment laws, impacting games companies operating in the UK. Key reforms include reinstating employer liability for third-party harassment and strengthening the duty to prevent sexual harassment by requiring 'all reasonable steps.' These changes, effective from October 2026, aim to create safer and more inclusive workplaces by shifting focus from reactive measures to proactive prevention.
UK union launches free resource to decode video game writing contracts
The Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) has launched a free guide to help demystify video game writing contracts for professionals in the UK. The resource aims to clarify employment statuses and promote fair terms amidst industry challenges like layoffs. WGGB hopes the guide will empower writers to negotiate equitable contracts with companies and studios.
New writers' guide to videogames contracts aims to counter poor practice
The Writers' Guild of Great Britain has launched a free guide to videogame writing contracts to address poor practices and protect writers' rights amidst industry challenges. The guide clarifies employment statuses, contract clauses, and advises against signing non-disclosure agreements, aiming to help writers negotiate fair terms.
Fired Rockstar developers can bring blacklisting claims against the GTA 6 developer, UK tribunal rules as final trial looms
An employment tribunal in the UK has ruled that fired Rockstar Games employees can pursue blacklisting claims against the Grand Theft Auto 6 developer. The workers were dismissed last year for allegedly leaking confidential information, which the IWGB Game Workers Union claims was union busting. The tribunal's decision allows these allegations to be heard in a full trial, with a final hearing scheduled from September 10th to October 15th.
Rockstar vs. the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain: a timeline of events so far
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused Rockstar Games of union busting following the dismissal of 31 employees in October 2025, which the company attributed to gross misconduct for distributing confidential information. The dispute escalated with legal claims, protests, and parliamentary attention, with Rockstar maintaining the dismissals were unrelated to union activities. A preliminary employment tribunal hearing in January 2026 rejected the IWGB's request for interim relief, though the full hearing is pending.
"We're determined to win justice for the 31 fired workers" - Rockstar Games workers publicly launch union, as legal battle with the GTA 6 maker rages on
Workers at Rockstar Games have publicly launched the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), affiliated with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB). This move follows the dismissal of 31 employees in October, which the union and others have labeled as union busting, leading to protests and legal action. The RGWU is also advocating for pay transparency, flexible working, and an end to crunch culture.
UK Politicians Say GTA 6 Developer Rockstar 'Refused to Properly Engage' With Appeal Processes After Firing Staff Last Year
UK politicians have criticized Grand Theft Auto 6 developer Rockstar Games for its handling of staff dismissals last October. The politicians stated that Rockstar 'refused to properly engage' with appeal processes following the firing of 34 workers, as legal disputes continue.
No, China hasn't made it illegal to fire humans and replace them with AI—but yes it's made it much more…
China has not made it illegal to replace workers with AI, but courts have ruled that companies cannot terminate contracts solely based on AI implementation without offering reasonable compensation or alternative employment. This legal principle, established in a case involving a worker named Zhou, emphasizes that replacing employees with AI is a business decision, not an inevitable event. The ruling aims to balance AI adoption with existing employment laws amidst economic slowdown.
Morning Legal Briefs
YouTuber MrBeast has denied allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation made by a former staffer. The article also briefly mentions a New York ban on government employees engaging in insider trading on prediction markets.
IBM settles its DEI lawsuit with the DOJ for $17 million
IBM has agreed to a $17 million settlement with the US Department of Justice to resolve allegations of violating civil rights laws through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. The DOJ accused IBM of considering race, color, national origin, or sex in employment decisions, including altering interview criteria and using diversity modifiers for bonus compensation. IBM denies wrongdoing, stating the settlement is not an admission of liability.
Atlus to raise starting salaries and increase existing employees’ base pay by 15%
Atlus is increasing starting salaries and giving existing employees a 15% base pay raise. Separately, a judge has ordered Krafton to reinstate fired Subnautica 2 leads, including the former Unknown Worlds CEO, and has extended their potential $250 million bonus package.
How the Employment Rights Act 2025 empowers unions and employees, and how the games business must prepare
The new UK Employment Rights Act 2025, set to be implemented in stages through 2026 and 2027, significantly reforms employment laws, making it easier for trade unions to organize and take industrial action. The changes aim to reduce hurdles for unionization, simplify strike balloting, extend strike mandates, and offer greater protection to workers involved in industrial action. The article advises UK games businesses to prepare for increased union activity by understanding the legal framework, auditing employment practices, and ensuring documentation is robust.
