The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples through the gaming industry, with varied responses from different developers. EA is particularly thrilled about the delay, seeing it as a boon for their upcoming Battlefield release. Dive in to understand how EA views their game's launch window and the diverse reactions 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 set to launch in March 2026. He expressed optimism about this timing, especially in light of GTA 6's delay.

When questioned about the impact of major releases on other game launches, Wilson noted that few companies can afford to shift their release dates earlier to dodge GTA 6. However, he was pleased with how things have panned out for EA, with Battlefield set to hit the market two months before GTA 6.

The gaming industry has long grappled with the challenge of scheduling game releases around GTA 6's anticipated debut. With the delay, many developers are reevaluating their strategies, but EA feels confident in their current plan for Battlefield.

"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 stated that the "window is clearer than it was before" and feels good about releasing Battlefield in 2026. Battlefield is scheduled for release 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, Death Stranding 2 (DS2) Director Hideo Kojima has a different approach. He understands the industry's tendency to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release. However, in a Koji Pro radio broadcast, Kojima emphasized that DS2's launch date was set long ago and will proceed as planned.

Kojima acknowledged rumors that GTA 6 was slated for a November release, suggesting other companies would shift their schedules accordingly. He likened this to the film industry's reaction to major releases like Mission Impossible: "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 avoidance of GTA 6's release window, Kojima is determined to stick to DS2's development timeline, even targeting a September release. With DS2 reportedly 95% complete, its launch is imminent.

Other Developers Steer Clear, Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For many developers, avoiding GTA 6's release window is crucial for their games' success. According to The Game Business Show in March, several game executives are prepared to adjust their release dates to sidestep 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 other hand, Cult of the Lamb publisher Devolver Digital 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 sequels like Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

The delay of GTA 6 has undeniably stirred the gaming industry, prompting developers to recalibrate their release schedules. Some aim to avoid direct competition, while others, like Devolver Digital, are ready to take on the challenge. GTA 6 is now slated for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this eagerly awaited game!