Getting a job within the video game industry has been a struggle for some time, and a former Grand Theft Auto 5 developer stated that they have been unemployed for over a year. The former Rockstar Games staffer stated they worked on some major projects during their time with the company, including Red Dead Redemption 2, the aforementioned Grand Theft Auto 5, and L.A. Noire.
The developer’s struggles are a testament to the unfortunate state of the job market within the current video game industry. Throughout the decade, companies have conducted several rounds of layoffs as a way to cut costs and refocus their efforts. The layoffs have affected major companies like Microsoft and Amazon, along with smaller studios. On February 11, Highguard developer Wildlight Entertainment announced it was laying off a majority of its staff just weeks after its debut game went live on PC and consoles. Days later, Highguard‘s website was taken offline, leading to speculation on social media that the fledgling game may already be on its last legs.
Here’s What GTA 5 Looks Like When Compressed to 2.5GB
A gamer online showcases what Grand Theft Auto 5 looks like when compressed to just a minuscule 2.5 GB.
Former Rockstar Games Staffer is Still Looking for Work
With layoffs continuing to be a trend throughout the gaming and tech industries, some developers who once worked at major studios are still struggling to land on their feet. Reece Reilly, the host of the Kiwi Talkz podcast, said on Twitter that they will be interviewing a former Rockstar Games staff member in the coming days. Reilly stated that the interviewee used to work on some of Rockstar’s biggest titles, including both Red Dead Redemption games, L.A. Noire, and GTA 5. The former staffer stated that they have been unemployed for over a year and have yet to secure an interview, despite their work on titles like Red Dead Redemption 2. However, it is currently unclear what role the former Rockstar Games staff member had during their time with the company.
Reilly stated that, despite the interviewee’s impressive resume, the gaming industry is “in the midst of an extinction level event of talent” across the board. With concerns that developers may see their former positions replaced by AI, the gaming industry’s job market remains in flux. However, some game developers have pushed back against the rise of generative AI within the industry. A survey by Quantic Foundry stated that 62.7% of participants held a negative perspective on generative AI, particularly with it being used for the creation of artwork, music, and narrative elements. A similar sentiment was seen in a Game Developers Conference survey, as 52% of participants also viewed generative AI negatively.
Rockstar Games Has Struggles of Its Own
As for Rockstar Games, the company has been dealing with a major issue of its own since the fall of 2025. In late October, Rockstar Games fired 31 UK staff members after the company alleged that these former employees had leaked some confidential information in a public forum. However, some of the fired staff members claimed that Rockstar had let them go as part of a union-busting attempt at the Rockstar North studio in Edinburgh, Scotland. In December 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the Rockstar North dispute and called it a “deeply concerning” matter that his ministers would investigate.
Despite Rockstar’s legal challenges, the studio stated that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is still on track to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19. Rockstar Games said that it would begin its marketing push for GTA 6 over the summer, despite the delays that the game has already endured. With Summer Game Fest and other events taking place throughout the middle of the year, time will tell when GTA 6 will make its next appearance, and if it will stick to its November launch date.
- Released
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October 26, 2018
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
