Rockstar North Reports Building Damage After Boiler Malfunction
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Emergency response in Edinburgh, but Rockstar says work continues
January 21, 2026 — Rockstar North, the Edinburgh studio leading development on Grand Theft Auto VI, was the scene of an early-morning emergency response on Monday, January 19 after reports of structural damage at a commercial building on Holyrood Road. According to sources, the incident was related to a Rockstar North boiler malfunction.
If you missed our latest release-date coverage, GTA VI is currently scheduled for November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S: GTA VI delayed to November 19, 2026 — PS5 & Xbox Series X|S.
According to reporting that cites the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the alarm was raised at 5:02 a.m., with multiple fire appliances and specialist resources sent to the scene. Crews worked to secure the building and left at 9:21 a.m., and no casualties were reported.
Rockstar confirms it was a boiler malfunction
Rockstar has since confirmed the incident was caused by a malfunction in a heating boiler. In a statement shared with press, the company said: “Please know that everyone is well and our studio remains open and operational.”
Grand Theft Auto VI – Trailer 1
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Context: an ongoing labor dispute in Scotland
The incident also arrives during a wider public spotlight on Rockstar North due to an ongoing labor dispute involving over 30 former workers and the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The dispute centers on conflicting claims: the union alleges unfair dismissal linked to organizing activity, while Rockstar has maintained dismissals were connected to confidentiality concerns.
Earlier this month, a UK employment tribunal denied a request for interim relief (temporary pay measures) at a preliminary stage, with the broader case still pending for a full hearing.
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Written by Ronny Fiksdahl, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Fix Gaming Channel.
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