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 exclusive titles will compete with a strong lineup of anticipated releases, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely in October or November). However, the most significant release remains 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, coupled with the already crowded Fall 2025 release window, presents a challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. EA has targeted a release within its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), a timeframe that directly overlaps with the projected release windows of GTA 6, Call of Duty, and potentially Borderlands 4.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape and the company's willingness to adjust the Battlefield release date if necessary. He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield game and the desire to ensure a successful launch that maximizes player engagement. Wilson stated that the current target is a 2026 fiscal year launch, but they would reassess if the initial window proves unfavorable.

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 launch. EA might postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026 to avoid direct competition. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could lead EA to either advance or further delay Battlefield, potentially pushing it outside its fiscal year. This highlights the significant strategic decision facing EA, a decision they seem prepared to make 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 announcing a delay, will significantly influence the release strategies of other major titles, including EA's Battlefield.