EA expresses confidence in the launch of Battlefield following the delay of GTA 6, while other game developers share mixed reactions. Discover EA's perspective on their upcoming title and how industry leaders are responding to GTA 6's postponed release.
Impact and Industry Response to GTA 6 Delay
Battlefield's Launch Window Becomes "Clearer Than Ever"
Following the announcement of GTA 6's delay, Electronic Arts confirmed the planned release period for Battlefield. During the Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 7, EA CEO Andrew Wilson revealed that Battlefield is scheduled for March 2026 and expressed optimism regarding the new timeline in light of GTA 6's postponement.
When discussing how major blockbuster releases affect competing game launches, Wilson explained that few developers can realistically bring forward their release dates to avoid clashing with GTA 6. He noted, however, that the situation has worked favorably for EA, as Battlefield will now debut two months ahead of GTA 6.
Since GTA 6's initial trailer reveal, developers and publishers have been concerned about optimal launch timing for their own titles. With the game’s delay now official, many are reevaluating their strategies, though Battlefield's team is content with the adjusted timeline.
"Regarding Battlefield, we’ve consistently aimed for a release window that best serves the franchise," Wilson stated. "But we would never launch into a period that could undermine the value we’ve built into the series or limit the experience players deserve."
He emphasized that the launch window "is now clearer than it was before" and expressed confidence in the 2026 release. Battlefield is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in March 2026.
Death Stranding 2 Proceeds Despite GTA 6's Launch Timing
Meanwhile, Hideo Kojima, director of Death Stranding 2, acknowledged that many developers might avoid launching alongside GTA 6. In a recent Koji Pro radio broadcast, he stated that DS2’s release date was locked in long ago and will proceed as planned.
Kojima mentioned hearing rumors of GTA 6 launching in November and noted that several companies would likely reschedule their games accordingly. He likened the situation to the film industry: "For example, if a new Mission Impossible film is set for May, no other major studio would schedule a competing release."
Despite the tendency to avoid GTA 6's window, Kojima affirmed his commitment to the original development timeline and even suggested a possible September launch. With Death Stranding 2 reportedly 95% complete, its arrival is expected sooner rather than later.
Developers Adjust Schedules While Devolver Digital Welcomes the Challenge
For other developers, GTA 6’s looming launch is a critical factor in planning their own releases for maximum impact. A March report from The Game Business Show indicated that numerous executives are preparing to shift their timelines to avoid the highly anticipated title.
One anonymous executive commented, "We’ll adjust our game's launch by a few weeks in either direction to steer clear. The issue, of course, is that everyone will do the same, creating a cluster of releases just before or after GTA 6 in what’s perceived as a ‘safe zone.’"
In contrast, Devolver Digital, publisher of Cult of the Lamb, announced it will release a game on the same day as GTA 6. The studio has yet to specify which title will go head-to-head with Rockstar's open-world juggernaut. Potential candidates include sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, or Hotline Miami—or even an entirely new IP.
Regardless, GTA 6's delay has sent ripples throughout the gaming industry, and its influence will be felt for months as developers recalibrate launch plans—whether to avoid or compete with it. GTA 6 is now scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay informed with the latest updates by exploring our related article below.
