2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for AAA video games. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will undoubtedly create a buzz, but the real heavy hitters are slated for later in the year: Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Yōtei, and the inevitable new Call of Duty title from Activision (likely October/November). However, the undisputed king of the hill is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently scheduled for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The question remains: will GTA 6 be delayed? Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, is currently sticking to the Fall 2025 window, but this uncertainty, combined with the other major shooter releases, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield installment.
EA's next Battlefield is targeted for its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), placing it squarely in the potential release window of GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4. This raises the question: how much weight does EA give to competitor release dates when planning its own launch?
EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, hinting at a potential Battlefield delay if necessary. He emphasized the significant investment in this Battlefield title (four studios involved, extensive development time), stating the goal is to deliver the best Battlefield game yet and ensure a successful launch window that maximizes player acquisition. He admitted that 2025's competitive landscape might necessitate a revised launch strategy, leaving the door open for a shift from the planned FY26 release window.
99 GTA 6 Trailer Details - Slideshow
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Currently, Battlefield is slated for release before April 2026. A November 2025 launch (mirroring the release dates of Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5) could create a direct conflict with a similarly timed GTA 6 release. This might prompt EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within its fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could lead EA to either bring Battlefield forward or push it into the following fiscal year – a significant decision, but one Wilson indicated EA is prepared to make.
The entire gaming industry is anxiously awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This pivotal announcement, whether confirming the Fall 2025 release or announcing a delay into 2026, will undoubtedly trigger a domino effect on other publishers' release plans.
