GTA 6 Delay Delights EA, Others React Mixedly

The delay of GTA 6 has sparked a range of reactions across the gaming industry, with Electronic Arts (EA) feeling particularly optimistic about their upcoming Battlefield release. Dive into this article to explore EA's positive outlook and the varied responses from other game developers.

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 their next Battlefield installment. In their Q4 and FY 2025 Earnings Conference Call on May 6, EA CEO Andrew Wilson revealed that Battlefield is slated for a March 2026 release, and he expressed increased confidence due to GTA 6's postponed launch.

When questioned about the impact of major game releases on other titles, Wilson noted that few companies can advance their release dates to dodge GTA 6's original window, citing the complexity of such a move. He was, however, pleased with the outcome for EA, as Battlefield now has a two-month head start on GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long grappled with the challenge of timing releases around major titles like GTA 6, especially since its first trailer drop. With the delay, many developers are recalibrating their schedules, but EA feels content with how things have aligned for Battlefield.

Wilson emphasized EA's strategy, stating, "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 confidently remarked that the "window is clearer than it was before" and expressed satisfaction with the planned March 2026 release for Battlefield, which will be available 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), acknowledged the industry's tendency to shift release dates around major titles like GTA 6. During an episode of Koji Pro's radio broadcast, Kojima explained that DS2's launch date was set long before GTA 6's delay, and they intend to stick to it.

Kojima had heard rumors that GTA 6 would launch in November, prompting other companies to adjust their schedules. 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's general trend to avoid GTA 6's release window, Kojima remains 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 other developers, navigating around GTA 6's release window is crucial for their games' success. According to The Game Business Show in March, numerous game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to avoid clashing with the highly anticipated action-adventure title.

An anonymous executive commented, "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 flip side, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lamb, boldly announced their intention to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While they haven't disclosed which title will take on Rockstar Games' open-world behemoth, possibilities include follow-ups to Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, prompting developers to reassess their release strategies. Whether to avoid or confront the giant, these adjustments will continue to unfold in the coming months. GTA 6 is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by checking out our article below!