The delay of GTA 6 has elicited varied responses across the gaming industry, with EA expressing optimism about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers navigate the shifting landscape. Dive in to explore EA's perspective and the broader industry reactions 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 solidified the release window for Battlefield. During the Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson shared that Battlefield is slated for a March 2026 launch, expressing satisfaction with the timing in light of GTA 6's delay.

When questioned about how major releases like GTA 6 impact other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies can afford to advance their release dates to dodge competition from GTA 6, given the complexities involved. Nevertheless, he was content with the outcome for Battlefield, which now enjoys a two-month head start over GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long grappled with timing game releases around GTA 6's anticipated arrival, especially since the first trailer dropped. With the delay, many developers are recalibrating their strategies, but EA feels confident about Battlefield's new position.

"Relative to Battlefield, we’ve been focused on finding the optimal release window all along," Wilson elaborated. "We wouldn't want to launch in a timeframe that undercuts the value we've poured into the franchise or the experience we aim to deliver to players."

He emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before," and EA feels good about launching Battlefield in March 2026 across 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), remains undeterred by GTA 6's release schedule. During a Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima revealed that DS2's launch date was set long before GTA 6's delay, and they plan to stick to it.

Kojima acknowledged rumors of GTA 6 launching in November, suggesting that other companies might adjust their schedules to avoid clashing with it. He drew a parallel to the film industry, stating, "For instance, if a new Mission Impossible movie were to release in May, others wouldn't dare compete and would shift their release dates."

Despite the industry's tendency to avoid GTA 6's window, Kojima is committed 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 highlighted in March that numerous game executives are ready to shift their release dates to avoid the anticipated action-adventure juggernaut.

An anonymous executive shared, "We will nudge our releases back or forward three weeks to avoid it. The challenge is that everyone else is thinking the same thing. So, three to four weeks before or after GTA 6, you’ll see a flood of games trying to find a safe zone."

On the flip side, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific title remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential candidates like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or an entirely new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, prompting developers to adjust their release strategies. Some aim to avoid the competition, while others embrace the challenge head-on. 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 title.