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

The delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has sparked a range of reactions across the gaming industry, with Electronic Arts (EA) expressing optimism about the release window for their upcoming title, Battlefield. Meanwhile, other developers have voiced different sentiments regarding their own release schedules. Dive in to explore EA's perspective on their game's launch and how various developers are responding 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 has solidified the release window for Battlefield. During the Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confidently stated that Battlefield is set to launch in March 2026. Wilson expressed satisfaction with the timing, noting that the delay of GTA 6 provides a clearer and more favorable release window for Battlefield.

When questioned about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson remarked that few companies could expedite their game releases to dodge GTA 6's shadow. He emphasized that pushing a release date forward is significantly challenging. However, he was pleased with how things aligned for EA, allowing Battlefield to hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long grappled with the best timing for game launches, especially in light of GTA 6's anticipated release. With its delay, many developers are recalibrating their strategies. EA, however, feels confident with their chosen window for Battlefield.

Wilson reiterated EA's strategic approach, stating, "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 further emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before," and EA feels good 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

On the other hand, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima remains unfazed by GTA 6's release schedule. In a recent episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima affirmed that DS2's launch date was set long ago and will proceed as planned.

Kojima acknowledged rumors about GTA 6's potential November release and the tendency of other companies to shift their schedules accordingly. He likened this to the film industry's reaction to major releases like Mission Impossible, 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 general trend of steering clear of GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to sticking with DS2's development timeline, aiming for 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 ready to adjust their release dates to avoid clashing with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.

An anonymous executive shared, "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."

In contrast, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital has boldly declared their intention to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. Although the specific title remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital has a robust portfolio that includes potential sequels like 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 developers to reconsider their release strategies. Some are opting to avoid the competition, while others, like Devolver Digital, are ready to take on the challenge. GTA 6 is now slated for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. For the latest updates on the game, be sure to check out our comprehensive coverage below!