Rockstar North Studio Remains Operational After Boiler Explosion in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland – Rockstar North’s Edinburgh studio sustained damage following a boiler explosion early Monday morning, but remains fully operational with no injuries reported. Emergency services responded swiftly to secure the scene and are currently investigating the cause of the incident.
The incident occurred at the studio, famed for its work on the globally renowned Grand Theft Auto series. According to a company spokesperson, the fire department was alerted immediately and quickly brought the situation under control. “Fortunately, there were no injuries and the structure of the building was secured,” the spokesperson stated.
Initial reports suggest the explosion originated in the studio’s boiler room. The fire department deployed seven vehicles to the scene and worked to mitigate any further damage. While the exact cause is still under investigation, studio operations have not been affected, and development continues as planned.
The incident arrives at a complex time for Rockstar North. The company recently faced criticism regarding the layoff of over 30 employees, a move the IWGB Game Workers union characterized as an attempt to discourage unionization. However, a subsequent application for an injunction filed by the union was rejected by a court in Glasgow.
Despite these challenges, and the previously announced delay of the next Grand Theft Auto installment to November 2026, Rockstar North maintains its position as a leading force in the gaming industry. Industry analysts do not anticipate the boiler explosion will have a lasting impact on the game’s development timeline.
Rockstar North is actively collaborating with authorities to determine the root cause of the explosion and prevent similar incidents in the future. The company has assured employees and fans that safety remains a top priority.
