"GTA 6 Delay Delights EA, Mixed Responses Elsewhere"

EA is feeling optimistic about their upcoming Battlefield release now that GTA 6 has been delayed, whereas other developers have mixed feelings. Dive into the details to understand EA's perspective on their new release schedule and how the gaming industry is reacting to the GTA 6 delay.

GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions

Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"

EA has confirmed the release window for Battlefield following the announcement of GTA 6's delay. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson shared that Battlefield is set to launch in March 2026. The delay of GTA 6 has given EA a clearer and more favorable release window.

When asked about the impact of major releases on other titles, Wilson noted that few companies could advance their release dates to dodge GTA 6, as it's challenging to move a release date forward. However, he expressed satisfaction with how things have worked out for Battlefield, which will now launch two months before GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long been concerned about scheduling releases around GTA 6's highly anticipated launch. With its delay, many developers are reevaluating their plans, but Battlefield is well-positioned to benefit.

"Relative to Battlefield, what we have said all along is we’ve been building towards a window that we thought made the most sense for Battlefield," Wilson explained. "But we wouldn’t launch into a window that we thought truncated the value that we’ve invested into the franchise, or the value that we think our players will derive from it once they jump in and start playing."

He emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before" and feels confident about launching Battlefield in 2026. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Death Stranding 2 Will Come Out Regardless of GTA 6’s Release Window

Meanwhile, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima acknowledged that many companies would adjust their release schedules to avoid competing with GTA 6. However, during an episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, he affirmed that DS2's launch date was set long ago and will proceed as planned.

Kojima mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 might release in November, leading other companies to shift their release dates. He likened this to the film industry's reaction to a new Mission Impossible movie: "For instance, if a new Mission Impossible movie were to release in May, others wouldn't be able to compete with that so would move somewhere else."

Despite the industry's tendency to steer clear of GTA 6's release window, Kojima is sticking to DS2's development schedule and even aiming for a September release. With DS2 now 95% complete, its launch is imminent.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For other developers, navigating GTA 6's release window is crucial for their titles' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that multiple game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid clashing with the eagerly awaited action-adventure game.

An anonymous executive stated, "We will nudge our releases back or forward three weeks to avoid it. Of course, the problem is everyone is going to do the same. So three to four weeks before or after GTA 6, you’re going to get a load of games dropping content in what they believe will be the safe zone."

On the flip side, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital has boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While they haven't disclosed which game will go head-to-head with Rockstar Games' open-world titan, Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a brand-new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, prompting developers to recalibrate their release strategies. GTA 6 is now slated for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest on this eagerly awaited title!