"GTA 6 Delay Boosts EA, Mixed Industry Reactions"

The delay of GTA 6 has sparked a range of reactions across the gaming industry, with EA feeling optimistic about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers are adjusting their strategies. Dive deeper into EA's perspective on their game launch and the diverse responses from other developers to the GTA 6 delay.

GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions

Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"

Following the announcement of GTA 6's delay, EA has confidently set a release window for Battlefield. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson declared that Battlefield will launch in March 2026. He expressed satisfaction with this timeline, especially in light of GTA 6's postponed release.

When discussing the impact of major game releases on their own launches, Wilson noted that few companies can afford to expedite their game releases to avoid clashing with GTA 6, given the complexities involved in moving up a release date. However, he was pleased with how the situation has benefited Battlefield, which will now hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The timing of game releases has long been a concern for developers and publishers, particularly since GTA 6's first trailer dropped. With its delay, many are recalibrating their strategies, yet Battlefield's team is content with their current positioning.

"We’ve been building towards a window that we thought made the most sense for Battlefield," Wilson stated. "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 affirmed that the "window is clearer than it was before" and is optimistic about releasing Battlefield 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, Hideo Kojima, director of Death Stranding 2 (DS2), remains unfazed by GTA 6's release schedule. In a Koji Pro radio broadcast, he mentioned that DS2's launch date was set well in advance and will proceed as planned.

Kojima acknowledged rumors of GTA 6's potential November release and the tendency of other companies to shift their launch dates to avoid direct competition. He likened this situation to the film industry, where a blockbuster like a new Mission Impossible movie would cause others to reschedule their releases.

Despite the industry's tendency to avoid clashing with GTA 6, Kojima is committed to sticking to DS2's development schedule, 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 many developers, navigating around GTA 6's release window is crucial for their titles' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that numerous game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to sidestep GTA 6's launch.

An anonymous executive revealed, "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."

Conversely, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6, though they haven't disclosed which title will take on Rockstar Games' open-world behemoth. Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or perhaps an entirely new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, prompting various companies to adjust their release schedules either to avoid or to directly compete with it. GTA 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned to our articles for the latest updates on the game!