2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for AAA video games. The impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will undoubtedly create a competitive landscape, further intensified by the anticipated launches of major titles like Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely slated for October or November). However, the most significant contender remains Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently scheduled for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The possibility of a GTA 6 delay looms large, adding uncertainty to the market. While Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, maintains the Fall 2025 release window, this uncertainty, coupled with the already crowded shooter market, presents a considerable challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title.
EA has targeted a release window for the next Battlefield within its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), a period that directly overlaps with the potential release windows of GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4. This raises the question of how heavily EA weighs competitor release dates when determining its own launch strategy.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, hinting at a potential delay for Battlefield if necessary. He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield game, involving four studios and extensive development time. Wilson stated that EA aims to launch Battlefield when it can fully deliver on its potential and cultivate a community befitting the game's scale. He admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reassessment of the launch timing, suggesting flexibility within the FY26 window. A delay, while a significant decision, is an option EA is prepared to consider.
99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow
51 Images
Currently, Battlefield is slated for release before April 2026. A November 2025 release (mirroring the launch dates of Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5) could be impacted by a concurrent GTA 6 release. This scenario might lead EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within its fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either advance or delay Battlefield, potentially pushing it beyond its fiscal year. This highlights the significant strategic considerations faced by EA, mirroring the cautious anticipation shared by many third-party publishers. The GTA 6 release date will act as a pivotal factor, shaping the release strategies of numerous other titles.
