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 exclusives will compete with a slew of anticipated titles, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely October/November). However, the undisputed heavyweight contender is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The potential for delays looms large. While Take-Two Interactive is currently maintaining the Fall 2025 window, this uncertainty, coupled with the already crowded shooter market, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title.

EA's next Battlefield game is targeted for its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), directly competing with GTA 6's potential release window, and possibly Call of Duty and Borderlands 4 as well. The impact of competitor release dates on EA's launch strategy is substantial.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape during a recent financial call, hinting at a potential delay for Battlefield if necessary. He emphasized the significant investment in the game, involving four studios and extensive development time. Wilson stated that EA aims for a launch maximizing Battlefield's potential and community growth, suggesting a willingness to adjust the release date to achieve this goal. He specifically mentioned that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a revised launch strategy.

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

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The current Battlefield release window is before April 2026. A November 2025 launch (mirroring Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5's release months) could be affected by a concurrent GTA 6 launch. A potential response could be pushing Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within the fiscal year. Conversely, a GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either advance or postpone Battlefield's release, potentially beyond the fiscal year. This highlights the significant decision-making process influenced by Rockstar's announcement.

The industry is keenly awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date. This announcement will undoubtedly trigger a domino effect, shaping the release strategies of numerous third-party publishers.