The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, with Electronic Arts (EA) feeling optimistic about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers grapple with different strategies in response. Dive deeper into EA's perspective on their game launch and the varied reactions from other developers to the GTA 6 delay.
GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions
Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"
EA has solidified the release window for Battlefield following the announcement of GTA 6's delay. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield is slated for a March 2026 release. He expressed satisfaction with this timing, given the shift in GTA 6's schedule.
When questioned about how significant releases impact other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies could accelerate their release dates to dodge GTA 6. He emphasized the difficulty in moving release dates forward but was pleased with the outcome for Battlefield, which now has a two-month head start over GTA 6.
The gaming industry has long been concerned about optimal launch windows, especially since GTA 6 unveiled its first trailer. With the delay, many developers are recalibrating their plans, yet Battlefield finds itself in a favorable position.
"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 further stated that the "window is clearer than it was before" and expressed confidence in releasing Battlefield in 2026. The game 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
On the other hand, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima acknowledged that most companies would typically adjust their release dates to avoid clashing with GTA 6. However, during an episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, he affirmed that DS2's launch date had been set long before and would not be altered.
Kojima noted rumors of GTA 6 launching in November and suggested that other companies might shift their release dates accordingly. He drew a parallel to the film industry, saying, "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 avoid GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to sticking with DS2’s development schedule, even aiming for a September release. With DS2 now 95% complete, its launch is expected to happen sooner rather than later.
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 several game executives are preparing to adjust their release dates to avoid competing directly with the eagerly awaited action-adventure game.
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 has boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While they haven't disclosed which title will go head-to-head with Rockstar Games’ open-world behemoth, speculation abounds. Devolver Digital has a roster of popular games, including potential sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.
The delay of GTA 6 has undeniably shaken the gaming industry, prompting a range of strategic responses from game developers. As they adjust their release timelines to either sidestep or directly compete with GTA 6, the impact will continue to unfold in the coming months. GTA 6 is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay updated with the latest on the game by checking out our article below!
