"GTA 6 Delay: EA Rejoices, Others React Varied"

EA is feeling optimistic about the release of Battlefield following the delay of GTA 6, while other developers have mixed reactions. Dive into the details to discover EA's perspective on their upcoming release and how the gaming industry is responding to the GTA 6 delay.

GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions

Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"

EA has solidified Battlefield's release window after GTA 6's delay was announced. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield will launch in March 2026. He expressed confidence in the timing, especially with GTA 6's delay.

When questioned about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies can expedite their game releases to sidestep GTA 6, as advancing a release date is challenging. However, he was pleased with the outcome for Battlefield, set to debut two months ahead of GTA 6.

The delay of GTA 6 has long been a concern for developers and publishers planning their game launches, especially after the first trailer was released. With this delay, many are recalibrating their strategies, but Battlefield's team is content with how things have unfolded.

"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 good about releasing Battlefield in 2026. Battlefield is scheduled to launch 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

In contrast, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima acknowledged that many would adjust their release schedules to avoid competing with GTA 6. However, during a 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 was slated for November, and other companies would likely shift their release dates accordingly. He likened this to the film industry's response 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 committed to sticking with their development timeline, even targeting a September release. With DS2 now 95% complete, its launch is imminent.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For many developers, navigating GTA 6's looming release window is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that numerous game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid clashing with the highly anticipated 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 other hand, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital boldly declared they will launch a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific game remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital has a robust lineup including potential sequels to Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, prompting various developers to adjust their release schedules either to avoid or to directly compete with the open-world giant. GTA 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated title!