The delay of GTA 6 has stirred various reactions across the gaming industry, with EA expressing optimism about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers navigate their strategies differently. Dive into the details below to understand EA's perspective on their game launch and the diverse responses from other developers.
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. In the Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield is slated for release in March 2026. Wilson expressed increased confidence in the timing due to GTA 6's postponed launch.
When questioned about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies could expedite their game releases to avoid clashing with GTA 6, as advancing a release date is challenging. He was, however, pleased with how things unfolded for EA, with Battlefield set to launch two months ahead of GTA 6.
The timing of game releases has long been a concern for developers and publishers, particularly after GTA 6's first trailer was unveiled. With the delay, many are recalibrating their plans, but EA feels content with Battlefield's new 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 emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before" and expressed satisfaction with 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
In contrast, Hideo Kojima, the director of Death Stranding 2 (DS2), acknowledged the industry's tendency to avoid competing with GTA 6's release. However, during 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 was expected in November, prompting other companies to adjust their release schedules. 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 general avoidance of GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to sticking to DS2's 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 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 direct competition 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."
On the other hand, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific game remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential sequels like 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 adjustments in release schedules. Some developers aim to avoid the competition, while others, like Devolver Digital, are ready to take on the challenge. GTA 6 is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated title.
