Emergency services attended an explosion at Rockstar North’s Edinburgh headquarters on Holyrood Road early Monday. Crews secured structural damage and left the scene after around four hours; there were no reported casualties. Rockstar attributed the blast to a heating boiler malfunction and said the studio remains open and staff are safe. Fans expressed concern about potential delays to GTA 6, but the company has given no indication the 19 November 2026 release date will change.
Explosion at Rockstar North’s Edinburgh HQ Sparks Emergency Response — Studio Says Staff Safe
The Edinburgh headquarters of GTA 6 developer Rockstar North (Creative Commons)
Emergency services responded to an explosion at the Edinburgh headquarters of Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar North on Holyrood Road early on Monday.
Six fire engines were reported at the scene, and crews remained on site for around four hours while the area was secured. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it was alerted at 5:02am on 19 January and that firefighters left the scene at 9:21am after working to secure structural damage at the commercial building. The SFRS statement noted that Operations Control had mobilised three fire appliances and specialist resources to assist.
A Rockstar spokesperson said the incident was caused by a malfunction in one of the building’s heating boilers. The company thanked emergency services and confirmed that there were no reported casualties and that staff were safe.
Company Statement and Operations
Rockstar added: “Many thanks to those that reached out with concern, and also to the police and fire crews who were on scene quickly to assess the situation. Everyone is well and our studio remains open and operational.”
Context: GTA 6 Development
Rockstar North — a subsidiary of Rockstar Games — is developing the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). The title had previously been expected in 2025 but has faced multiple delays. The company’s parent, Take-Two Interactive, and its CEO Strauss Zelnick have said the studio opted for additional time to polish the game as it neared completion.
“As we get closer to completion of a title that’s seeking perfection, the needs or lack thereof, for continued polish become clear,” Strauss Zelnick told IGN last year. He said the company supported taking a small amount of extra time so Rockstar could achieve its creative vision without limitations.
Fans reacted online with concern about potential delays; one Instagram user joked, “We’re never getting this game,” after early reports of the blast. However, there has been no indication from Rockstar or its parent company that the incident will affect the scheduled release date of 19 November 2026.
The Independent has contacted Rockstar Games for further comment.
Help us improve.
