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 robust lineup 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 biggest contender remains 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 to GTA 6, coupled with the already crowded shooter market, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. Scheduled for release within EA's 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), Battlefield faces direct competition from GTA 6, potentially Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4.
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 to launch Battlefield in a window that maximizes its potential and allows for substantial community growth. He admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reassessment of the launch timing, leaving the FY26 window as a target but not a fixed date.
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 significantly impacted by a concurrent GTA 6 release. This might lead EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within its fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either advance Battlefield's release or delay it beyond its fiscal year – a significant but potentially necessary decision, based on Wilson's statements.
The industry awaits Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This announcement, whether confirming the Fall 2025 release or revealing a delay into 2026, will significantly influence the release strategies of other major titles, including Battlefield.
