The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, with EA feeling particularly optimistic about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers are navigating the impact in various ways. Dive deeper into EA's perspective on their game launch and the diverse 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 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 a heightened sense of confidence in the game's launch, citing the advantageous timing provided by GTA 6's postponement.

When questioned about the influence of major game releases on the timing of other titles, Wilson noted that few companies could accelerate their release schedules to dodge GTA 6, emphasizing the complexity of such a move. Nevertheless, he was pleased with the outcome for EA, as Battlefield will now hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long grappled with the optimal timing for game releases, especially following the reveal of GTA 6's initial trailer. With the delay announcement, many developers are recalibrating their strategies, yet Battlefield's team feels content with their adjusted schedule.

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 affirmed that the "window is clearer than it was before" and expressed satisfaction with launching Battlefield in 2026. The game is scheduled for release in March 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.

Death Stranding 2 Will Come Out Regardless of GTA 6’s Release Window

In contrast, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima remains steadfast about his game's release timing, undeterred by GTA 6's schedule. During an episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima shared that DS2's launch date was set long before GTA 6's delay, and the team plans to stick to it.

Kojima acknowledged the rumors that GTA 6 would launch in November, suggesting that other companies might shift their release dates in response. He likened this to the film industry's dynamics with major releases like Mission Impossible: "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 trend of avoiding GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to maintaining DS2's development schedule, targeting a September release. He also noted that DS2 is 95% complete, indicating that its launch is imminent.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For many other developers, navigating around GTA 6's release window is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that numerous game executives are prepared to adjust their release schedules to sidestep the highly anticipated action-adventure title.

An anonymous executive revealed, "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 has boldly announced their intention to release a game on the same day as GTA 6, though they have yet to specify which title will take on Rockstar Games' open-world juggernaut. Devolver Digital's extensive portfolio includes potential sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or perhaps even a new intellectual property.

The delay of GTA 6 has undeniably stirred the gaming industry, with its effects set to unfold in the coming months as developers adjust their release strategies. GTA 6 is now slated for release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay informed about the latest developments by checking out our comprehensive article below!