Rockstar Games Illegally Underpaid Staff at GTA 6 Studio, UK Government Confirms

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.