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 major year for AAA video game releases. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will compete with a robust lineup of anticipated games, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely October/November). However, the most significant release is arguably 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 already crowded shooter market, presents a considerable challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. Scheduled for release within EA's 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), Battlefield directly competes with GTA 6's potential release window, and possibly Call of Duty and Borderlands 4 as well.

EA's CEO, Andrew Wilson, acknowledged the competitive landscape and the possibility of delaying Battlefield in a recent financial call. He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield game, involving four studios and considerable development time. Wilson stated that EA aims for a launch that fully realizes Battlefield's potential and fosters substantial community growth. He admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reassessment of their launch timing, leaving open the possibility of a delay beyond their current FY26 target.

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 impacted by a concurrent GTA 6 release. This might prompt EA to shift Battlefield's launch to Q1 2026, remaining within their fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could lead EA to either advance or postpone Battlefield's release, potentially pushing it into the next fiscal year. Wilson's statements suggest EA is prepared for such strategic adjustments.

The gaming industry awaits Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This announcement, whether confirming the fall 2025 release or announcing a delay, will significantly influence the release strategies of other major titles, including EA's Battlefield.