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 blockbuster 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 possibility of a GTA 6 delay, combined with the other major releases, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield game. Scheduled for release within EA's 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), Battlefield faces potential competition from GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, stating that the company has invested heavily in the next Battlefield title, aiming for its largest installment yet. He also indicated a willingness to adjust the release date if necessary to optimize launch timing and player acquisition. While targeting a FY26 release, Wilson left open the possibility of delaying Battlefield if the initial window proves unfavorable.

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

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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. EA might then postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within its fiscal year. Conversely, a GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either bring Battlefield forward or push it into the next fiscal year—a significant but potentially necessary decision.

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