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 massive year for AAA video games. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusives will undoubtedly make waves, but the real heavy hitters are slated for later in the year: Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima (presumably a sequel, given the title), and the next Call of Duty title from Activision (likely an October/November release). However, the undisputed king of the hill is Rockstar's highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, currently scheduled for Fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The uncertainty surrounding GTA 6's release date, coupled with the crowded shooter landscape, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. EA aims for a release within its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), a timeframe that directly overlaps with the potential release windows of GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4. This has led to much speculation regarding EA's release strategy.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, stating that the company has invested heavily in the next Battlefield, utilizing four studios and significant development time. Wilson emphasized their desire to launch when they can fully deliver on the game's promise and build a substantial community. He further indicated a willingness to adjust the launch timing if necessary, stating that while they are targeting an FY26 release, they would consider an alternate window if the initial timeframe proved 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) would put it in direct competition with a potential GTA 6 release around the same time. This could lead EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, still within their fiscal year. Conversely, a potential 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 apparently considered option, based on Wilson's comments.

The gaming industry is anxiously awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This pivotal announcement will undoubtedly trigger a domino effect, clarifying the release strategies of other major titles, including EA's Battlefield.