Dismissed employee Dayne Oram claims an internal 'watch list' was created following a petition against a return-to-office mandate, impacting 34 workers.
A former Rockstar Games employee has presented compelling testimony at an employment tribunal in Glasgow, alleging that staff members were placed on an internal “watch list.” This alleged surveillance reportedly began after a petition was circulated against the company’s return-to-office policy.
Dayne Oram, the former employee, was among 34 workers dismissed by Rockstar North in October 2025. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is now actively representing 23 of the 31 Scotland-based individuals who lost their jobs during this period.
The unfolding tribunal hearing brings to light a significant workplace dispute within one of the gaming industry's most prominent developers, coinciding with the anticipation for the release of its next major title, Grand Theft Auto 6, according to reporting by Dexerto - Esports & Gaming.
The Rockstar Games Return-to-Office Petition and Alleged Monitoring
The controversy stems from a petition initiated in spring 2023, which reportedly gathered signatures from around 150 Rockstar employees. Only 15 to 20 of these signatories were union members at the time. Dayne Oram played a role in establishing a Discord server that was utilized by approximately 300 Rockstar employees, where discussions around workplace conditions took place.
Oram believes that this petition marked a turning point, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of certain staff members. He stated to the tribunal, “I believe this forms the basis of a watch list of people to keep an eye on for further activities.” This claim suggests a calculated effort to monitor employees perceived as dissenting.
Confidential Information Shared on Rockstar Discord
The dismissals themselves are said to have originated from a separate incident involving internal communications. Rockstar reportedly removed several non-work related Slack channels, deeming them a “distraction.” This decision sparked considerable backlash among employees who communicated in the unofficial Discord server.
According to Rockstar, the situation escalated when employees allegedly copied confidential internal emails regarding these Slack changes into the Discord server. The company claims that a member subsequently informed management, prompting an internal investigation into the breach of confidentiality.
Gross Misconduct Claims Amid Rockstar Disputes
Further details emerged from the Discord server messages, which included references to a specific manager using a slur and descriptions of managers as “cowardly corporate f****.” Rockstar’s representative challenged Dayne Oram at the tribunal, asking if such language would constitute gross misconduct.
Oram conceded the messages constituted misconduct but disagreed with the "gross" classification, stating, “It would be misconduct. I disagree it would be gross misconduct.” He further clarified the administrators' role, adding, “We were human admins trying to keep the line without over-policing.”
Rockstar’s official stance, communicated through a spokesperson, has remained steadfast. They asserted, “Individuals across the UK and Canada were dismissed for gross misconduct following the sharing of confidential company information, not because of alleged trade union membership or activity.” The company concluded by stating, “We reject the claims and will defend them vigorously.”
Rockstar Games Tribunal and GTA 6 Launch Date
The employment tribunal, presided over by judge Lucy Wiseman, is slated to continue for approximately six weeks. Its timing is notable, occurring just over two months before the anticipated November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is actively seeking to secure official recognition from Rockstar Games before the highly anticipated title launches. This ongoing legal battle adds another layer of complexity to Rockstar’s operations as it approaches one of its most significant game releases in years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dayne Oram and what are his claims against Rockstar Games?
Dayne Oram is a former Rockstar North employee who alleges staff were put on an internal "watch list" after signing a petition against a return-to-office mandate. He was among 34 workers dismissed by the company in October 2025.
What caused the dismissals at Rockstar Games?
Rockstar Games maintains that individuals were dismissed for gross misconduct following the sharing of confidential company information. However, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) represents dismissed employees who believe the dismissals were linked to alleged trade union membership or activity.
When is GTA 6 expected to be released?
The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently scheduled for release on November 19. The employment tribunal against Rockstar Games is ongoing in the months leading up to this major game launch.