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Rockstar Games Illegally Underpaid Staff at GTA 6 Studio, UK Government Confirms
The UK government's tax authority, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), has officially confirmed that Rockstar Games illegally underpaid five employees at its GTA 6 studio, Rockstar North. The company has been ordered to repay £1,396.73 — approximately £279.34 per affected staff member. This comes amid ongoing controversy over Rockstar's tax practices and allegations of union busting.
Key update
His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the UK government's tax department, published a list of hundreds of companies that owed money to their staff members — and Rockstar Games UK Limited appeared at number 235. Rockstar was confirmed to have underpaid five employees by a total of £1,396.73, which works out to roughly £279.34 per person. The affected employees work at Rockstar North, the lead GTA 6 development studio based in Edinburgh.
Why it matters
While £1,396.73 is a negligible amount for a company that generates billions in revenue, for the five affected staff members it represents a significant loss. HMRC has ordered Rockstar Games to repay the full amount immediately.
What to watch
This scandal follows a turbulent period for Rockstar's UK operations. Last December, Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert raised the issue of Rockstar's tax practices in UK Parliament, dubbing the situation a 'Grand Theft Tax'. She also addressed alleged union busting at the company, including the firing of nearly 40 staff members last year over alleged leaking — a move widely condemned by unions and politicians.
Context
The underpayment revelation adds to growing scrutiny over Rockstar's financial practices. The company made headlines for claiming over £70 million in UK Video Games Tax Relief in 2024/2025 while posting profits exceeding £87 million and a turnover of £508 million. £85 million in dividends were also issued to shareholders. Despite this, Rockstar co-founders Sam and Dan Houser appeared on the UK Rich List with a combined net worth approaching half a billion dollars.
Bottom line
Rockstar Games has been ordered to pay the full amount to the affected employees. A company spokesperson has yet to issue a public comment on the HMRC ruling. The case continues to draw attention from labour unions and UK lawmakers pushing for stronger protections for workers in the gaming industry.