EA Mulls Shifting Battlefield Release to Avoid Fierce Competition
- By Max
- Feb 21,2025
2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for AAA video games. The impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles will undoubtedly create a competitive landscape, further intensified by the anticipated launches of Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Yōtei, and the next Call of Duty installment (likely October/November). However, the game dominating the conversation 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, coupled with the other major titles vying for attention, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield game. EA's fiscal year 2026 launch window (before April 2026) directly overlaps with the potential release periods of GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive market in a recent financial call, suggesting a potential delay for Battlefield if necessary. He emphasized the significant investment in the new Battlefield title, involving four studios and extensive development time, and stated their goal is to launch when the game is optimally positioned for success and community growth. Wilson admitted that the competitive landscape in 2025 might necessitate a reevaluation of their launch timing, leaving open the possibility of shifting the release date beyond the initial FY26 target.
99 GTA 6 Trailer Details - Slideshow
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A November 2025 release for Battlefield (mirroring the launch dates of Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5) would create a direct conflict if GTA 6 launches 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 advance Battlefield's release or delay it into the following fiscal year – a significant decision, but one Wilson indicated EA is prepared to make.
The industry is anxiously awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This crucial information will undoubtedly influence the release strategies of numerous other third-party publishers, including EA, whose Battlefield launch plans remain contingent upon the unfolding situation.
