GTA 6 Delay Sparks Joy For EA, Differing Reactions For Others

The delay of GTA 6 has stirred a mix of emotions across the gaming industry, with EA expressing satisfaction over the situation while other developers react differently. Dive into EA's perspective on their upcoming Battlefield release and the varied responses from other game developers to the GTA 6 delay.

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 their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson revealed that Battlefield is set to launch in March 2026. Wilson expressed optimism about the timing, citing the delay of GTA 6 as a beneficial factor.

When questioned about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies can easily shift their release dates to avoid competition with GTA 6. He emphasized, however, that EA is in a favorable position with Battlefield set to hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long grappled with the timing of game releases, especially in the shadow of GTA 6's anticipated arrival. With the delay, developers and publishers are recalibrating their strategies, but EA feels confident with Battlefield's new timeline.

Wilson elaborated, "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. 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 affirmed that the "window is clearer than it was before" and is enthusiastic about launching 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, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima remains steadfast about his game's release schedule, undeterred by GTA 6's delay. In a Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima explained that DS2's launch date was set well in advance and would proceed as planned.

Kojima acknowledged the rumors about GTA 6's November release and the tendency for other companies to shift their schedules. He likened this to the film industry's reaction to major releases like Mission Impossible: "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 is committed to adhering 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, the looming release of GTA 6 is a significant consideration in planning their game launches. According to The Game Business Show in March, several game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to sidestep 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."

Conversely, 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 title remains undisclosed, Devolver Digital's portfolio includes potential sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples throughout the gaming industry, prompting various adjustments in release schedules. As developers either avoid or challenge the release window, GTA 6 is now slated for May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay informed with the latest updates on the game by reading our detailed article below!