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 robust lineup of major releases later in the year, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, and Ghost of Yōtei. Activision's next Call of Duty installment is also anticipated, likely in October or November.
However, the most significant release is Rockstar's highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. While Take-Two Interactive is currently maintaining the Fall 2025 window, the uncertainty surrounding its release date, combined with the other major shooters launching, presents a considerable challenge for EA's Battlefield franchise.
EA's next Battlefield title is planned for its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), placing it directly in competition with GTA 6, and potentially Call of Duty and Borderlands 4. The impact of competing release dates on EA's Battlefield launch strategy is significant.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, indicating a potential delay for Battlefield if necessary. He emphasized the substantial investment in the new Battlefield game, involving four studios and significant development time. The goal is to deliver a "biggest Battlefield ever made" and launch it at a time that maximizes its potential for community growth. Wilson suggested that 2025's competitive landscape might necessitate a reassessment of their launch timing, leaving open the possibility of shifting the release date from their targeted FY26 window.
99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow
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Currently, the new Battlefield is targeted for release before April 2026. A November 2025 release (mirroring the launch dates of Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5) could be impacted by a simultaneous GTA 6 launch. This could lead EA to postpone Battlefield to Q1 2026, remaining within their fiscal year.
Conversely, if GTA 6 is delayed to Q1 2026, EA might either advance Battlefield's release or push it beyond their fiscal year. While a significant decision, Wilson's statements suggest EA is prepared for such strategic adjustments.
The industry awaits Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This announcement, whether confirming the Fall 2025 release or a delay into 2026, will significantly influence the release strategies of other major titles.
