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 blockbuster year for AAA video games. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusives will be a major factor, but the real heavy hitters arrive later in the year: Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Ghost of Yōtei, and the inevitable new Call of Duty title, likely slated for October or November. However, the biggest game of them all is Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, currently scheduled 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 shooters vying for attention, presents a significant challenge for EA's upcoming Battlefield title. EA's fiscal year ends in April 2026, placing the Battlefield release squarely in the potential crosshairs of GTA 6, Call of Duty, and Borderlands 4.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, stating that the company is prepared to adjust the Battlefield launch date if necessary. Wilson emphasized the significant investment in this Battlefield installment, involving four studios and extensive development time. He reiterated the goal of creating the largest and most successful Battlefield game to date, and that includes choosing a launch window that maximizes its potential and community growth. While targeting a FY26 launch (before April 2026), Wilson indicated a willingness to shift the release date if the initial window proves unfavorable.

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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 November GTA 6 release. This scenario might 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 delay it into the next fiscal year – a significant decision, but one Wilson's comments suggest EA is prepared to make.

The industry is keenly awaiting Rockstar's official GTA 6 release date announcement. This announcement, whether confirming the fall 2025 release or revealing a delay, will undoubtedly trigger a domino effect, influencing the release strategies of numerous other publishers.