The delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has sent ripples through the gaming industry, with Electronic Arts (EA) expressing optimism about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers navigate their strategies with mixed reactions. Dive in to discover EA's perspective on their game's launch and how the industry is responding to this significant shift.
GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions
Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"
Following the announcement of GTA 6's delay, EA solidified Battlefield's release window. In their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield is slated for a March 2026 launch. Wilson expressed increased confidence in the game's release timing, given the delay of GTA 6.
When addressing how major releases impact other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies can expedite their release schedules to sidestep GTA 6. However, he was pleased with how things aligned for EA, with Battlefield now set to hit the market two months ahead of GTA 6.
The timing of game releases has been a persistent concern for developers, especially since GTA 6 unveiled its first trailer. With the delay, many are recalibrating their plans, but Battlefield's team is content with their positioning.
"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," expressing optimism about Battlefield's release in March 2026 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 the industry's tendency to shift release dates to avoid clashing with GTA 6. However, in a Koji Pro radio broadcast, he affirmed that DS2's launch date, set long ago, would remain unchanged.
Kojima mentioned hearing rumors of GTA 6 launching in November, which led other companies to adjust their schedules. He likened this situation to the film industry, where major releases like a new Mission Impossible movie could push others to different dates.
Despite the industry's general avoidance of GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to sticking to DS2's development timeline, aiming for a September release. With the game now 95% complete, its launch is imminent.
Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On
For many developers, navigating around GTA 6's release window is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that several game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid competing with the eagerly awaited action-adventure title.
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 boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific title remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital's lineup includes potential sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even an entirely new IP.
The delay of GTA 6 has undeniably stirred the gaming industry, prompting various responses as companies adjust their release schedules. GTA 6 is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated game by checking our article below!
