GTA 6 Online has become a headline of its own after a Glasgow employment tribunal revealed that Rockstar Games has kept a 32‑player multiplayer format under tight secrecy.
Tribunal exposes lost play‑room
The trial, which commenced on 10 September 2026, centered on 34 former Rockstar employees that were dismissed in 2025 when the studio discovered confidential data was exchanged on an IWGB‑managed Discord channel. In a room dubbed “Room C”, staff were relaying “online 32‑player format ” details that could reach hundreds of people—including ex‑workers, rivals and journalists.
Robustly, Rockstar likened the protection of this feature to industry giants guarding their cores: “Guarding the secrets of the unique gameplay and design are akin to Apple protecting the iPhone or Coke protecting its formula.”
Key witnesses and fireworks
Publishing chief Jennifer Kolbe testified that she had witnessed employees divulging player‑count data for an undisclosed project, describing the revelation as “extraordinarily alarming.” She emphasised that the 32‑player figure had surfaced earlier in internal discussions, but the latest filings now label the format as one of the company’s “most guarded secrets.”
Rockstar maintains the dismissals were the result of confidentiality breaches, while the IWGB and ex‑staff allege unlawful blacklisting and union‑busting. The case will continue until 16 October, potentially unearthing further details about the multiplayer architecture slated for the 19 November launch.
What this says about the future lobby
Although the documents confirm 32‑player sessions were being tested, there is no confirmation that this will be the final lobby size. Rockstar could adjust the capacity during development. Nonetheless, the court record provides the most concrete evidence yet that a large online network is part of GTA 6’s future.
"