GTA 6 Delay: EA Rejoices, Others React Variously

The delay of GTA 6 has sparked a mix of reactions across the gaming industry, with EA expressing optimism about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers navigate their own strategies around this shift. Dive into how EA is feeling about their game's launch and the varied 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 confirmed a clearer release window for Battlefield. In their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson announced that Battlefield is set to launch in March 2026. He expressed satisfaction with this timing, especially in light of GTA 6's delay.

When asked about the impact of major releases on other games' launches, Wilson noted that few companies can advance their release dates to sidestep GTA 6 due to the complexities involved. He was pleased with how things have aligned for Battlefield, which will hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The timing of game releases has been a persistent concern for developers and publishers, particularly since GTA 6's first trailer was released. With GTA 6's delay, many are recalibrating their plans, but EA feels confident about Battlefield's positioning.

Wilson emphasized that their strategy was always to target a release window that best suited 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 explained.

He concluded that the "window is clearer than it was before" and feels 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, Hideo Kojima, the director of Death Stranding 2 (DS2), acknowledged the industry's tendency to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release. However, during a Koji Pro radio broadcast, he affirmed that DS2's launch date, set long ago, will proceed as planned.

Kojima mentioned hearing rumors of GTA 6's November release and how other companies typically shift their schedules around such major releases. He likened this to the film industry's response 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 general avoidance of GTA 6's release window, Kojima remains committed to their development timeline and is 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 numerous game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid the 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 boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific game remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital has a robust lineup including potential sequels 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 strategies from game developers. As titles adjust their release timelines to either avoid or compete with GTA 6, the impact will continue to unfold in the coming months. 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 article below!