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 launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will be a significant factor, but the real heavy hitters arriving later in the year include Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely October/November). However, the game dominating the conversation is 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 (will it be delayed?) presents a challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title, especially considering the crowded shooter market. Battlefield's release is planned for EA's 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), directly competing with GTA 6's potential release window, and possibly even Call of Duty and Borderlands 4.

EA's CEO, Andrew Wilson, acknowledged the competitive landscape and the possibility of a Battlefield delay during a recent financial call. He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield, involving four studios and considerable development time. The goal is to create the largest and most successful Battlefield yet, requiring a launch window that maximizes its potential and community growth. Wilson admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reevaluation of their launch timing, leaving open the possibility of a delay beyond the current FY26 target if necessary.

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

51 Images

A November 2025 release for Battlefield (mirroring the launch dates of Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5) could be significantly impacted by a concurrent GTA 6 launch. This could lead EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, still within their fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either advance Battlefield's release or delay it into the following fiscal year – a significant decision, but one Wilson indicated EA is prepared to make.

The industry is anxiously awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This announcement, whether confirming the fall 2025 release or revealing a delay, will undoubtedly influence the release strategies of other major titles, including Battlefield.