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

The announcement of the GTA 6 delay has sent ripples through the gaming industry, with EA feeling particularly optimistic about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers react differently. Dive into the details to understand EA's perspective on their game launch and the varied responses from other developers.

GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions

Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"

EA has solidified Battlefield's release window in light of the GTA 6 delay. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield is slated for release in March 2026. He expressed satisfaction with this timeline, particularly in the context of GTA 6's postponement.

When queried about the impact of major game releases on their own launches, Wilson noted that few companies could expedite their release dates to sidestep GTA 6's launch. He was, however, pleased with how things have unfolded for EA, as Battlefield will now hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The timing of game releases has been a persistent concern for developers and publishers, especially following GTA 6's initial trailer reveal. With the delay, many are recalibrating their strategies, but EA feels confident about their positioning.

Wilson elaborated, "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. 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 expressed optimism about releasing 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

On another front, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima acknowledged the industry's tendency to avoid competing directly with GTA 6. Yet, in a Koji Pro radio broadcast, he affirmed that DS2's launch date was set long ago and would proceed as planned.

Kojima mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 would launch in November, prompting other companies to adjust their schedules. 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 general avoidance of GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to sticking to DS2's development timeline, aiming for a September release. He also noted that DS2 is now 95% complete, indicating an imminent launch.

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 shift their release dates to avoid clashing 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."

In contrast, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. The specific title remains undisclosed, but it could be a sequel to one of their popular games like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has undeniably stirred the gaming industry, with companies adjusting their release schedules to either avoid or directly compete with it. GTA 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay informed with the latest updates by checking out our dedicated article below!