Rockstar Games, the developer behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, is ending its remote work policy and demanding employees return to the office full-time. This move is primarily intended to bolster security and avoid further leaks of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI.
The studio was the victim of a major security breach in 2022 that resulted in the leak of early game footage. Rockstar’s Head of Publishing, Jenn Kolbe, believes a return to the office environment offers “tangible benefits” for ensuring the quality and security of the project.
Grand Theft Auto VI, in development for many years, is set to launch in 2025 and will return to the iconic setting of Vice City.
While many companies have embraced remote work post-pandemic, Rockstar isn’t alone in returning to traditional work models. Companies like Ubisoft and Amazon have also implemented similar policies. These transitions come at a time when the gaming industry is also facing widespread layoffs, adding to developer uncertainty.