GTA 6 Delay: EA Rejoices, Others React Variously

EA is feeling optimistic about the release of Battlefield thanks to the delay of GTA 6, while other developers are navigating their reactions differently. Dive in to explore EA's perspective on their upcoming release 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 confirmed the release window for Battlefield. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson revealed that Battlefield is slated for release in March 2026. He expressed confidence in this timing, particularly in light of GTA 6's delay.

When asked about the impact of major releases on other games' launches, Wilson noted that few companies could accelerate their release dates to sidestep GTA 6, given the complexities involved. However, he was pleased with how things aligned for EA, with Battlefield set to launch two months before GTA 6.

The delay of GTA 6 has long been a concern for developers and publishers planning their game launches, especially after the first trailer's reveal. With the new timeline, many are recalibrating their strategies, but EA feels good about Battlefield's positioning.

"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 feels 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, the director of Death Stranding 2 (DS2), acknowledged that many would typically move their release dates to avoid clashing with GTA 6. However, during a Koji Pro radio broadcast, he stated that DS2's launch date was set long ago and would proceed as planned.

Kojima mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 was slated for a November release, prompting other companies to shift their schedules. He likened this scenario 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 tendency to avoid GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to sticking to DS2's development schedule, 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 is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that several game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid the highly anticipated action-adventure game.

An anonymous executive remarked, "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 has a robust portfolio including potential sequels to Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples throughout the gaming industry, prompting adjustments in release schedules. Some aim to avoid competition, while others, like Devolver Digital, are ready to take on the challenge head-on. GTA 6 is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned to our articles for the latest updates on the game!