GTA 6 Delay Sparks Joy For EA, Differing Reactions For Others

EA is optimistic about the release of Battlefield following the delay of GTA 6, while other developers have mixed feelings. Dive deeper into EA's perspective on their upcoming release 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 confirmed the release window for Battlefield after GTA 6's delay was announced. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson announced that Battlefield is slated for release in March 2026, and expressed satisfaction with the timing given GTA 6's delay.

When questioned about the impact of major expected releases on other titles' launches, Wilson noted that few companies could expedite their game releases to dodge GTA 6, as moving a release date forward is challenging. However, he was pleased with the outcome for EA, as Battlefield will launch two months before GTA 6.

The timing of game releases has long been a concern for developers and publishers, especially after GTA 6's first trailer was released. With its delay, many are recalibrating their strategies, but EA is content with how things have unfolded for Battlefield.

"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 stated that the "window is clearer than it was before" and feels confident about releasing Battlefield in 2026. Battlefield is set 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

Meanwhile, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima acknowledged that many would adjust their release plans to avoid competing with GTA 6. However, in an episode of Koji Pro radio broadcast, he clarified 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 to the film industry's reaction 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 others steering clear of GTA 6’s release window, Kojima is committed to following their development schedule and is aiming for a September release. Given that DS2 is now 95% complete, its launch is expected sooner rather than later.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For other developers, GTA 6’s looming release window is a significant factor they must navigate to ensure their titles thrive. The Game Business Show reported in March that several game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid clashing with the highly anticipated 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."

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. However, they have not yet disclosed which title will go head-to-head with Rockstar Games’ open-world behemoth. Devolver Digital has a diverse portfolio, including potential sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even an entirely new IP.

Regardless of these reactions, GTA 6’s delay has sent ripples throughout the industry, and its impact will continue to be felt as developers adjust their release schedules to either sidestep or directly challenge the game. GTA 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by checking out our article below!