EA Boss Willing to Move Battlefield Release Date to Account for 'Nuanced Year Relative to Competition' (*Cough* GTA 6 *Cough*)

2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for AAA video games. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will undoubtedly compete with a robust lineup of anticipated releases, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely October/November). However, the biggest contender remains Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The uncertainty surrounding GTA 6's release date, coupled with the already packed holiday season, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. Scheduled for release within EA's 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), Battlefield faces potential competition from GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, suggesting a potential delay for Battlefield if necessary. He emphasized the significant investment in this iteration, involving four studios and extensive development time. Wilson stated that EA aims for a launch window that maximizes the game's potential and fosters community growth. He admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reevaluation of their launch timing, leaving the door open for a shift from their current FY26 target.

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

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A November 2025 release for Battlefield (mirroring the launch dates of Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5) could be significantly impacted by a concurrent GTA 6 release. This scenario might prompt EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, still remaining within their fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could lead EA to either advance Battlefield's release or push it into the following fiscal year—a substantial decision, yet one Wilson indicated EA is prepared to make.

The industry awaits Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This pivotal announcement, whether confirming the Fall 2025 release or announcing a delay, will undoubtedly influence the release strategies of numerous other AAA titles.