"GTA 6 Delay Delights EA, Others React Variously"

The delay of GTA 6 has sent ripples across the gaming industry, with EA expressing increased confidence in Battlefield’s upcoming release while other developers show mixed reactions. Discover how EA is capitalizing on the shifting landscape and how studios like Kojima Productions and Devolver Digital are responding to the news.

Battlefield’s Release Window Now “Clearer Than It Was Before”

Following the official delay of GTA 6, EA has reaffirmed the release window for its next Battlefield title. During the company’s 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 greater confidence in the timing, noting that the delay gives EA a strategic advantage.

When asked about the impact of major releases on launch planning, Wilson explained that while few studios can easily move their release dates forward, EA benefits from GTA 6 pushing back. With Battlefield launching two months prior, the path to market is now significantly clearer.

For months, developers and publishers have been cautious about scheduling releases around GTA 6 following the debut of its first trailer. Now, with the new May 26, 2026 release date confirmed, many are recalibrating their strategies—though EA is particularly pleased with the outcome.

“We’ve always been building toward a window that made the most sense for Battlefield,” Wilson said. “But we wouldn’t launch into a timeframe that diminishes the value we’ve put into the franchise or the experience our players deserve.”

He added, “The window is clearer than it was before,” reinforcing EA’s confidence in the March 2026 launch. Battlefield will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Death Stranding 2 Stays the Course Despite GTA 6’s Shadow

While many are adjusting their plans, Hideo Kojima, director of Death Stranding 2 (DS2), remains committed to his team’s original schedule. Acknowledging that most studios would step aside for GTA 6, Kojima emphasized that their launch timeline was set long in advance.

During an episode of the Koji Pro radio broadcast, he shared that rumors of a November 2025 GTA 6 release had already influenced industry planning. Comparing the situation to blockbuster films, he noted, “If a new Mission: Impossible movie releases in May, other studios move their films elsewhere.”

Despite the trend, Kojima intends to stick to DS2’s development pace, with a potential September release on the horizon. With the game reportedly 95% complete, a timely launch is both feasible and likely.

Other Developers Adjust—Devolver Digital Says Bring It On

For many developers, avoiding GTA 6’s launch window remains a top priority. As reported by The Game Business Show in March, several executives are willing to shift release dates by weeks to find a “safe zone” around the highly anticipated title.

One anonymous executive noted, “We’ll nudge our releases back or forward by three weeks to avoid it. The challenge is, everyone’s doing the same—so you end up with a cluster of games just before or after.”

In contrast, Devolver Digital is embracing the competition. The publisher announced plans to release a game on the exact same day as GTA 6. While the title remains unconfirmed, possibilities include sequels to Cult of the Lamb, Inscription, Hotline Miami, or even a surprise new IP.

With GTA 6 now set for May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the industry continues to adapt—some stepping aside, others charging head-on. Stay updated on all GTA 6 news with our latest coverage below.