"GTA 6 Delay: EA Rejoices, Others React Variously"

The delay of GTA 6 has elicited a range of reactions across the gaming industry, with EA expressing optimism about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers navigate their strategies around this significant shift. Dive into the details to understand how EA perceives their upcoming launch and the diverse 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 has confirmed a clearer release window for their flagship title, Battlefield. During the Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson revealed that Battlefield is slated for a March 2026 release. Wilson expressed satisfaction with this timing, especially in light of GTA 6's postponed launch.

When discussing the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies could accelerate their release dates to avoid clashing with GTA 6, due to the complexities involved. However, he was pleased with how things have worked out for EA, allowing Battlefield to hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long been concerned about optimal release timings, especially following GTA 6's initial trailer release. With the delay, developers and publishers are recalibrating their strategies. Wilson emphasized that EA's approach to Battlefield's release window was always about maximizing value for both the franchise and its players.

"We’ve been building towards a window that we thought made the most sense for Battlefield," Wilson stated. "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 confidently declared that the "window is clearer than it was before," expressing enthusiasm for Battlefield's release 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), took a different stance on the GTA 6 delay. In a recent Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima acknowledged the industry's tendency to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release. He mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 would launch in November, prompting other companies to adjust their schedules accordingly.

Kojima likened this to the film industry, where major releases like a new Mission Impossible movie would push other films to different release dates. "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," he explained.

Despite the industry's common practice, Kojima is determined to stick to DS2's original development timeline. He even set a target for a September release, emphasizing that DS2 is now 95% complete, suggesting that 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 direct competition with GTA 6.

An anonymous executive noted, "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, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lamb, boldly announced their intention to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific game remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital has a robust portfolio, 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 developers to reassess their release strategies. Whether avoiding or confronting GTA 6's release, the impact will be felt in the months leading up to its new launch date of May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on GTA 6 and other gaming news!