2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for AAA video games. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will compete with a robust lineup of major releases later in the year, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty title, likely slated for October or November. However, the most anticipated release is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently scheduled for Fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The possibility of a GTA 6 delay, combined with the already crowded shooter market, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield game. EA aims to launch the next Battlefield within its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), a timeframe that directly overlaps with potential release windows for GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape and the company's willingness to adjust the Battlefield release date if necessary. He emphasized the substantial investment in the new Battlefield title, involving four studios and significant development time. Wilson stated that EA aims for a launch that maximizes the game's potential and fosters a large player base. He admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 may necessitate a revised launch strategy, leaving the FY26 window as a target, but not a fixed date. A delay is a possibility if a more advantageous launch window emerges.
99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow
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A November 2025 release for Battlefield (mirroring the launch dates of Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5) could be impacted by a concurrent GTA 6 release. EA might postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026 to avoid direct competition. Conversely, a GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could lead EA to either advance Battlefield's release or push it beyond its fiscal year. This highlights the significant strategic decision facing EA, a decision Wilson indicated they are prepared to make.
The industry is keenly awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This announcement, whether confirming the Fall 2025 launch or announcing a delay, will significantly influence the release strategies of other major titles, including EA's Battlefield.
