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.
Part 1
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.
Part 2
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.
Part 3
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.