EA is breathing a sigh of relief with the delay of GTA 6, paving the way for a smoother launch of their highly anticipated Battlefield game. However, the gaming industry's reactions to this shift are mixed. Dive into how EA views their upcoming release and the varied responses from other developers to the GTA 6 delay.

GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions

Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"

EA has officially set the release window for Battlefield following the announcement of GTA 6's delay. In their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield is slated for release in March 2026. He expressed optimism about the timing, given GTA 6's postponement.

When questioned about the impact of major game releases on their own launch schedules, Wilson noted that few companies can expedite their game releases to sidestep GTA 6 due to the complexities involved. He was, however, pleased with the outcome for EA, 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, particularly since GTA 6 unveiled its first trailer. With the delay, many are reevaluating their strategies, but EA feels confident about their position.

"Relative to Battlefield, we've always aimed for a window that we believed was optimal," Wilson stated. "We wouldn’t launch into a window that we thought would undermine the value we've put into the franchise, or the enjoyment our players would get from it."

He emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before," and EA is excited to release 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, Hideo Kojima, the director of Death Stranding 2 (DS2), acknowledges the industry's tendency to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release. Speaking on the Koji Pro radio broadcast, he revealed that DS2's release date was set long ago and will not shift, regardless of GTA 6's schedule.

Kojima mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 was initially planned for a November release, leading other companies to adjust their schedules. He likened this to the film industry's reaction to major releases like Mission Impossible: "If a new Mission Impossible movie is set for May, other films would steer clear of that slot."

Despite the industry's maneuvers, Kojima is sticking to DS2's development timeline, targeting 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 window is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that numerous game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid competing with the eagerly awaited action-adventure title.

An anonymous executive shared, "We'll shift our releases by a few weeks to dodge it. The issue is, everyone else is thinking the same way. So, three to four weeks before or after GTA 6, you'll see a flood of games trying to find a safe spot."

On the other hand, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lamb, has boldly declared they will launch a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific title remains undisclosed, Devolver has a range of potential candidates, including follow-ups to Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even an entirely new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples throughout the gaming industry, prompting various adjustments and strategic moves. GTA 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this blockbuster title by checking out our detailed article below!