2025 is shaping up to be a monumental 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 Yōtei, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely October/November). However, the biggest contender is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The uncertainty surrounding GTA 6's release (potential delays) and the crowded shooter market presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield game. 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 and the possibility of delaying Battlefield: He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield title, involving four studios and extensive development time. Wilson stated that EA aims for a launch maximizing the game's potential and building a substantial player base. He admitted that 2025's competitive releases might necessitate a revised launch strategy, leaving open the possibility of delaying Battlefield beyond its current FY26 target window if a more favorable launch period emerges.
A Closer Look at the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow
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A November 2025 release for Battlefield (mirroring previous releases in 2018 and 2021) could be impacted by a concurrent GTA 6 launch. EA might postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within its fiscal year. Conversely, a GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could lead EA to either advance Battlefield's release or push it into the next fiscal year – a significant decision, but one Wilson indicated EA is prepared to make.
The industry awaits Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This pivotal announcement will undoubtedly influence the release strategies of numerous third-party publishers, including EA, and clarify the competitive landscape for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
