2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for AAA video games. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusives will compete with a strong lineup of anticipated titles, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely October/November). However, the biggest question mark remains Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The uncertainty surrounding GTA 6's release, coupled with the other major shooters launching, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. EA aims for a 2026 fiscal year release (before April 2026), placing it directly in competition with potential release windows for GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape and the possibility of delaying Battlefield in a recent financial call. He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield game, involving four studios and extensive development time. Wilson stated that EA wants to ensure a successful launch, maximizing player acquisition and fulfilling the game's potential. He admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reassessment of the launch timing, leaving open the possibility of a delay beyond the targeted FY26 window.

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

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Currently, Battlefield is planned for release before April 2026. A November 2025 launch (mirroring the release dates of Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5) would put it in direct competition with a potential November GTA 6 release. This could lead to EA postponing Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within their fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either bring Battlefield forward or delay it into the next fiscal year – a significant decision, but one Wilson indicated EA is prepared to make.

The industry is keenly awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This will undoubtedly influence the release strategies of other major titles, including Battlefield.