The delay of GTA 6 has sparked a range of reactions within the gaming industry, with EA feeling optimistic about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers are adjusting their strategies. Dive into the details to understand EA's perspective on their game's launch and the diverse responses from other developers.

GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions

Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"

Following the announcement of GTA 6's delay, EA has solidified the release window for Battlefield. During their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield will launch in March 2026. He expressed satisfaction with this timing, noting that the delay of GTA 6 provides a clearer launch window for Battlefield.

When questioned about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson stated that few companies can accelerate their game releases to avoid clashing with GTA 6 due to the complexity of moving up a release date. However, he is pleased with the current situation, as Battlefield will now hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The timing of game releases has long been a concern for developers and publishers, especially since GTA 6's initial trailer reveal. With the delay, many are recalibrating their strategies, but EA feels confident about Battlefield's new release window.

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 emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before" and is 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, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima remains unfazed by GTA 6's release schedule. In an episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima mentioned that DS2's launch date was set long before GTA 6's delay and will proceed as planned.

Kojima acknowledged rumors about GTA 6's potential November release and how other companies might adjust their schedules accordingly. He likened the situation 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 to DS2's development schedule and is even aiming for a September release. With DS2 now 95% complete, its launch is expected to occur sooner rather than later.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For many other developers, navigating around GTA 6's release is crucial for their titles' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that numerous game executives are preparing to shift their release dates to avoid competing with the highly anticipated action-adventure game.

An anonymous executive commented, "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. Although the specific title remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential candidates such as 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 are steering clear, while others are ready to compete head-on. 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 related articles below!