2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for triple-A video games. With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles, gamers have a lot to look forward to. But that's just the beginning. Later in the year, we'll see the release of heavyweights like Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, and Ghost of Yōtei. And let's not forget the perennial favorite, the new Call of Duty from Activision, likely slated for an October or November release.

However, the game that everyone has their eyes on is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, set to hit the shelves in the fall of 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. Despite Take-Two's commitment to the fall 2025 window, there's always the possibility of a delay. This uncertainty, combined with the onslaught of other major titles, poses a challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield, which is scheduled for release within the company's 2026 fiscal year—before April 2026. This timing puts it squarely in the shadow of GTA 6, not to mention Call of Duty and Borderlands 4.

EA's CEO, Andrew Wilson, acknowledges the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, hinting that the company might consider delaying Battlefield if necessary. "Certainly we exist in a competitive marketplace," Wilson stated. With more resources invested in this Battlefield than any before, involving four studios and significant development time, EA is aiming for this to be their biggest Battlefield yet. Wilson emphasized the importance of launching in a window that maximizes the game's potential and community growth.

"I do believe that this year might be a nuanced year relative to competition. There may be some things happening in the year that may cause us to think differently about our launch timing," Wilson added. EA is targeting a FY 26 launch window, but they're prepared to adjust if the timing isn't optimal. If they get close to the planned release and believe it's not the best window, they would consider alternative dates to ensure the game's success and player acquisition.

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

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Assuming Battlefield is set for a November 2025 release, coinciding with previous Battlefield launches, what happens if GTA 6 also lands around that time? EA might opt to delay Battlefield to the first quarter of 2026, still fitting within their fiscal year. Alternatively, if EA is already planning a Q1 2026 release for Battlefield and Rockstar delays GTA 6 to the same period, EA could consider moving Battlefield up or even pushing it out of the fiscal year entirely. Wilson's comments suggest that EA is prepared to make such strategic decisions.

The gaming industry is on tenterhooks, awaiting Rockstar's announcement of the GTA 6 release date. Once that's known, whether it sticks to the fall 2025 plan or shifts to 2026, it will set the stage for other publishers to finalize their release strategies. EA, along with other third-party publishers, is holding its breath, ready to adjust as needed to navigate this highly competitive landscape.