2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for AAA video games. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusives will compete with a strong lineup of titles later in the year, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely October/November). However, the biggest anticipated release is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for Fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The potential for delays to GTA 6, combined with the other major shooters launching, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. EA's fiscal year 2026 launch window (before April 2026) puts it directly in competition with GTA 6, and potentially Call of Duty and Borderlands 4. This has led EA to carefully consider release timing.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape and the company's substantial investment in the next Battlefield game, stating that a delay is a possibility if necessary to ensure optimal launch conditions. He emphasized the desire to maximize the game's potential and build a strong community. Wilson suggested that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a revised launch strategy, leaving the FY26 window as a target, but not a rigid deadline.
99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow
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A November 2025 release for Battlefield (mirroring previous releases in 2018 and 2021) could be impacted by a simultaneous GTA 6 launch. This might lead EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, still within their fiscal year. Conversely, a GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either bring Battlefield forward or push it into the following fiscal year – a significant decision, but one Wilson indicated EA is prepared to make.
The uncertainty surrounding GTA 6's release date is impacting many third-party publishers. Once Rockstar announces the official release date, the release strategies for competing titles will likely solidify.
