2025 is shaping up to be a major year for AAA video game releases. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will undoubtedly compete with a strong lineup of anticipated releases later in the year, including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Tsushima, and the next Call of Duty title, likely slated for October or November.
However, the most significant release is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently scheduled for Fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. While Take-Two Interactive is maintaining the Fall 2025 release window, the uncertainty surrounding this release, combined with the other major shooters launching, presents a considerable challenge for EA's Battlefield.
EA plans to release the next Battlefield within its 2026 fiscal year (before April 2026), placing it directly in competition with GTA 6, and potentially Call of Duty and Borderlands 4. This necessitates careful consideration of release dates.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, suggesting a potential delay for Battlefield if necessary. He emphasized the significant investment in the game, involving four studios and extensive development time. The goal is to launch Battlefield when it can fully deliver on its potential and foster a substantial player base. Wilson admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reassessment of their launch timing, leaving the FY26 window as a target, but not a fixed date.
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 place it in direct competition with a potential November GTA 6 release. This could lead to EA delaying Battlefield to Q1 2026, still within their fiscal year. Conversely, a potential GTA 6 delay to Q1 2026 could prompt EA to either advance or postpone Battlefield's release, potentially pushing it into the next fiscal year. This highlights the significant strategic decision EA faces, a decision Wilson indicated they are prepared to make.
The industry is awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This announcement, whether confirming the Fall 2025 release or a delay into 2026, will significantly impact the release strategies of other major titles.
