The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples across the gaming industry, with EA expressing satisfaction over their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers have mixed feelings. Dive in to explore EA's perspective on their game's launch and the varied 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 solidified Battlefield's release date. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield will hit the shelves in March 2026, expressing optimism about the new timeline.
When questioned about the impact of major game releases on their own launches, Wilson noted that few companies could expedite their game releases to sidestep GTA 6, due to the complexities involved in moving up a release date. He was, however, pleased with the outcome for EA, as Battlefield will now launch two months before GTA 6.
The delay of GTA 6 has long been a concern for developers and publishers trying to find the perfect release window. Many are adjusting their strategies, but EA feels confident about Battlefield's position.
"We've been planning towards a window that we believed was optimal for Battlefield," Wilson elaborated. "We wouldn't rush into a release window that would compromise the value we've put into the franchise or the enjoyment our players will get from it."
He emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before" and expressed confidence in launching Battlefield in 2026. The game is slated for 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
In contrast, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima remains undeterred by GTA 6's looming release. During an episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, he affirmed that DS2's launch date was set well in advance and will proceed as planned.
Kojima acknowledged rumors that GTA 6 was expected in November and that other companies might shift their release dates to avoid clashing with it. He likened the situation to the film industry, saying, "If a new Mission Impossible movie were set for May, other films would steer clear."
Despite the industry's general move away from GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to sticking to DS2's development timeline, even targeting a September launch. With DS2 now 95% complete, its release is imminent.
Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On
For many developers, avoiding GTA 6's release window is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show in March highlighted that numerous game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to sidestep the highly anticipated action-adventure title.
An anonymous executive revealed, "We will shift our releases by a few weeks to avoid it. The issue is, everyone will likely do the same, leading to a flurry of game releases three to four weeks before or after GTA 6, each trying to find a 'safe zone'."
On the flip side, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital boldly declared they will release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While they haven't disclosed which game will take on Rockstar's open-world behemoth, possibilities include sequels to Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.
The delay of GTA 6 has significantly impacted the industry, with developers adjusting their release schedules to either avoid or confront this giant. GTA 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest on this eagerly awaited game!
