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

The delay of *Grand Theft Auto VI* has stirred the gaming industry, bringing a mix of relief and recalibration among developers and publishers. While some companies are shifting their release strategies to avoid direct competition, EA has found a silver lining, expressing increased confidence in the upcoming *Battlefield* launch.

Want the inside scoop on how major game delays impact the industry? Read on to discover how EA is embracing the opportunity and how other developers are reacting to the shifting landscape.

Battlefield’s Release Window “Clearer Than It Was Before”

Following the official announcement of *GTA 6*'s delay, EA confirmed the release window for *Battlefield* during its Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6. CEO Andrew Wilson expressed optimism, revealing that the game is set to launch in March 2026—two months ahead of *GTA 6*'s new release date.

When questioned about how major anticipated releases influence the scheduling of other titles, Wilson noted that it's not common for companies to move their games forward to avoid *GTA 6*. However, he was clearly pleased with how the timing has worked out for *Battlefield*, which now enjoys a more favorable launch window.

“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*,” Wilson explained. “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 added that the release window is now “clearer than it was before,” reinforcing EA’s confidence in the March 2026 launch for *Battlefield*, which will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Death Stranding 2 Will Launch Regardless of GTA 6’s Release

In contrast to EA’s strategic positioning, *Death Stranding 2* director Hideo Kojima has taken a firm stance on release timing. During a recent episode of the *Koji Pro* radio broadcast, Kojima acknowledged that many studios would shift their launch dates to avoid competing with *GTA 6*, but stated that *Death Stranding 2* would launch according to its original schedule—regardless of external factors.

Kojima noted that he had heard rumors of *GTA 6* potentially launching in November, prompting other developers to move their games out of the way. He compared the situation to the film industry, where major blockbusters like *Mission Impossible* dominate release slots, forcing others to shift their dates to avoid competition.

Despite the industry trend of avoiding *GTA 6*, Kojima remains committed to delivering *DS2* on time. He even mentioned aiming for a September release and confirmed that the game is now 95% complete—hinting that its launch is imminent.

While Some Developers Avoid the GTA 6 Window, Devolver Digital Welcomes the Challenge

For many developers, the *GTA 6* release window represents a major scheduling obstacle. As reported by *The Game Business Show* in March, several game executives are adjusting their release strategies to avoid competing with Rockstar’s highly anticipated title.

“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.”

However, not all publishers are playing it safe. Devolver Digital, known for its bold and unconventional approach, has publicly stated that it will release a game on the very same day as *GTA 6*. While the title remains unannounced, potential candidates include sequels to *Cult of the Lamb*, *Inscription*, or *Hotline Miami*, or even a brand-new IP.

The delay of *GTA 6* has sent ripples across the gaming industry, prompting a wave of recalibration in release strategies. While some developers are shifting their titles to avoid direct competition, others—like Devolver Digital—are ready to go head-to-head. *GTA 6* is now scheduled for a May 26, 2026 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches.