GTA 6 Delay: EA Thrilled, Others Mixed

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

GTA 6 Delay Effects and Reactions

Battlefield Release Window "Clearer Than It Was Before"

EA has solidified the release window for Battlefield following the announcement of GTA 6's delay. During the Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Battlefield is slated for a March 2026 release. He expressed satisfaction with the timing, given GTA 6's postponed launch.

When questioned about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies could expedite their game releases to dodge GTA 6's original window, as advancing a release date is challenging. However, he was pleased with how things have aligned for Battlefield, which 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 first trailer was unveiled. With the delay, many are recalibrating their plans, but EA feels confident about Battlefield's new release window.

"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 emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before" and feels optimistic about releasing Battlefield in 2026. The game is set to launch 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 has a different approach. In a Koji Pro radio broadcast, he acknowledged that many would shift their release dates to avoid clashing with GTA 6. However, he confirmed that DS2's launch date was set long ago and will proceed as planned.

Kojima mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 was initially slated for a November release, prompting other companies to adjust 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 the industry's tendency to avoid GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to sticking to 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 window is crucial for their games' success. The Game Business Show reported in March that several game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid competing with the highly anticipated action-adventure title.

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 has boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific game remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential follow-ups like 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 companies to adjust their release schedules either to avoid or to directly compete with the open-world giant. 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 highly anticipated game.