GTA 6 Delay Delights EA, Mixed Reactions Elsewhere

The delay of GTA 6 has sparked a range of reactions within the gaming industry, with Electronic Arts (EA) expressing optimism about their upcoming Battlefield release, while other developers are adjusting their strategies in varied ways. Dive into the details to understand EA's perspective on their game launch and the diverse responses from other developers 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 has solidified the release window for their much-anticipated Battlefield game. 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. The delay of GTA 6 has provided EA with a clearer launch window, boosting their confidence in the timing of their own game.

When questioned about the impact of major releases on other titles, Wilson noted that few companies could afford to accelerate their game launches to sidestep GTA 6. However, he expressed satisfaction with how things have unfolded for EA, as Battlefield will now hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The timing of game launches has been a persistent concern for developers and publishers, especially since GTA 6's first trailer was released. With the delay, many are recalibrating their strategies, but EA feels well-positioned with Battlefield's new release schedule.

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 expressed optimism about releasing Battlefield in 2026. The game is set to launch 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), has taken a different approach. In a recent episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima acknowledged the typical industry practice of avoiding direct competition with major releases like GTA 6. However, he emphasized that DS2's release date was set long before GTA 6's delay, and they plan to stick to their original schedule.

Kojima mentioned hearing rumors that GTA 6 would launch in November, prompting other companies to adjust their release dates. 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 trend of steering clear of GTA 6's release window, Kojima is committed to following DS2's development timeline, even aiming for a September release. With DS2 now 95% complete, its launch is expected sooner rather than later.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For many developers, the looming release of GTA 6 presents a significant challenge to their own game launches. The Game Business Show reported in March that numerous game executives are preparing to adjust their release dates to avoid clashing 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, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lamb, 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 contenders 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 companies to reassess and adjust their release timelines. Some aim to avoid direct competition, while others, like Devolver Digital, are ready to take on the challenge. 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 the game by checking out our article below!