2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for AAA video game releases. Alongside the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles, major releases like Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty are slated for later in the year. However, the biggest game looming is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently scheduled for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The potential for delays to GTA 6, combined with the already crowded shooter market, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. EA's fiscal year 2026 deadline (before April 2026) places Battlefield directly in competition with GTA 6, potentially even Call of Duty and Borderlands 4.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, indicating a willingness to adjust Battlefield's release date if necessary. He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield, involving four studios and extensive development time. Wilson stated that EA aims for a launch window that maximizes the game's potential and allows for substantial community growth. He admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a revised launch strategy, leaving the FY26 window as a target but not a rigid deadline. A shift in release date is a possibility if a different window offers better market positioning.

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 simultaneous GTA 6 release. This might prompt EA to delay Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within its fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could lead EA to either advance Battlefield's release or push it into the next fiscal year—a significant but potentially necessary decision, given Wilson's statements.

The industry is keenly awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This pivotal announcement will undoubtedly influence the release strategies of numerous other publishers, including EA.