EA Boss Willing to Move Battlefield Release Date to Account for 'Nuanced Year Relative to Competition' (*Cough* GTA 6 *Cough*)

2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for AAA video games. The impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will undoubtedly create a competitive landscape, further complicated 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 in October or November). However, the biggest question mark remains Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The uncertainty surrounding GTA 6's release date, coupled with the crowded shooter market, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. EA aims for a release within its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), a timeframe that directly overlaps with the potential release windows of GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape and the potential for a Battlefield delay during a recent financial call. He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield game, involving four studios and extensive development time. Wilson stated that EA's priority is to ensure a launch that maximizes the game's potential and fosters a robust community. He suggested that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reassessment of the launch timing, leaving the possibility of a delay open.

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. This could lead EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, still within its fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either advance Battlefield's release or push it beyond the fiscal year, a significant strategic decision. Wilson's comments indicate EA's preparedness for such contingencies.

The entire gaming industry is keenly 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 influence the release strategies of numerous other publishers, including EA.