"GTA 6 Delay: EA Thrilled, Others Mixed"

The delay of GTA 6 has brought a mix 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 EA's perspective on their game launch and the varied responses from other 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 confirmed that Battlefield is slated for release in March 2026. He expressed increased confidence in the timing, given the GTA 6 delay.

When asked about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies could expedite their release dates to sidestep GTA 6, highlighting the complexity of accelerating a game's release. However, he was pleased with how things have worked out for Battlefield, which will now hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The timing of game releases has been a significant concern for developers and publishers ever since GTA 6 unveiled its first trailer. With the delay, many are recalibrating their plans, but EA feels confident with Battlefield's new position.

"Relative to Battlefield, we’ve always aimed for a window that we believed was optimal," Wilson explained. "We wouldn’t launch into a window that we felt would undermine the investment we’ve made in the franchise or the value our players will experience once they start playing."

He emphasized that the "window is clearer than it was before" and feels optimistic about releasing Battlefield in 2026. The game is scheduled 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), remains undeterred by GTA 6's release schedule. In a Koji Pro radio broadcast, he mentioned that DS2’s launch date was set long before GTA 6's delay, and they plan to stick to it.

Kojima acknowledged the rumors that GTA 6 was initially slated for a November release and how other companies might shift their dates to avoid it. 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 and would move their release dates."

Despite the industry's tendency to avoid GTA 6's window, Kojima is committed to DS2's development schedule and has targeted a September release. With DS2 now 95% complete, its launch is imminent.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For many other developers, GTA 6's looming release date is a critical factor in planning their own launches. According to The Game Business Show in March, several game executives are prepared to adjust their release schedules 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, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital has boldly announced plans to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. The studio has yet to disclose which game will go head-to-head with Rockstar Games’ open-world behemoth. Devolver Digital has a diverse portfolio, including potential follow-ups 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 adjust their timelines either to avoid or confront the release. 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 in our upcoming articles!