EA Delays Battlefield to Avoid GTA 6 Clash

2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for triple-A video games. Gamers are eagerly anticipating the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 along with its exclusive titles. Later in the year, we're set to see major releases like Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, and Ghost of Yōtei. And let's not forget the annual juggernaut from Activision, the new Call of Duty, which is likely to drop in October or November.

However, the most anticipated game of the year is undoubtedly Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for a fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. While Take-Two remains committed to this timeline, the uncertainty surrounding GTA 6's release, combined with the crowded field of big releases, poses a challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield game.

EA has scheduled the next Battlefield for its 2026 fiscal year, which means a release before April 2026. This timing puts it squarely in the shadow of GTA 6, as well as potentially competing with Call of Duty and Borderlands 4. EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape during a recent financial call, hinting that the company might consider delaying Battlefield if necessary.

"We exist in a competitive marketplace," Wilson stated, reflecting on his 25-year tenure at the company. "We've invested more in this Battlefield than any before, with four studios working on it over a significant period. We're aiming to make this the biggest Battlefield yet. We want to ensure we launch it in a window where we can fully deliver on its potential and grow our community accordingly."

Wilson also noted that 2025 might be a particularly challenging year due to competition. "There may be factors that could lead us to reconsider our launch timing. We have a target for FY 26, and we believe the game will be ready. But if we approach that time and feel it's not the optimal window, we'll explore alternative launch dates to give Battlefield the best chance to shine."

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

51 Images

If the new Battlefield is released in November 2025, coinciding with GTA 6's potential launch window, EA might opt to delay it to the first quarter of 2026, still within its fiscal year. Conversely, if EA plans a Q1 2026 release for Battlefield and Rockstar delays GTA 6 to the same period, EA could either advance Battlefield's release or push it beyond the fiscal year. Such a decision, though significant, is one EA seems prepared to make.

The entire gaming industry is holding its breath, waiting for Rockstar to announce the GTA 6 release date. Once that's confirmed, whether it's for fall 2025 as planned or delayed into 2026, the rest of the industry's release calendar will likely adjust accordingly.