Take-Two chief executive Strauss Zelnick says he is “not in the least” worried that negative publicity surrounding an employment tribunal involving Rockstar will harm the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The dispute concerns allegations of union-busting after 31 Rockstar North employees in Edinburgh, all reportedly members of the IWGB Game Workers Union, were dismissed for alleged gross misconduct; it matters because it raises questions about labour practices at the studio behind one of the industry’s most anticipated releases.

Zelnick said Take-Two was proud of its labour relations, citing a workforce of 13,000 and claiming company attrition is half the industry rate, with Rockstar’s lower still. A new Rockstar Game Workers Union has reportedly gained members amid the dispute, which has been raised in Parliament; the tribunal is due to begin on 10 September, while GTA 6 is expected to be a major commercial success.