EA Feels Confident About Battlefield Release After GTA 6 Delay

Electronic Arts plans to release the next Battlefield game before March 2026, ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6's new release date. This timing has made EA executives feel more comfortable about their upcoming shooter's chances in the market.

During a recent financial update, EA CEO Andrew Wilson expressed relief about the clearer release window now available for the next Battlefield title. The delay of GTA 6 to May 26, 2026, has opened up a less competitive launch period for EA's big shooter franchise.

"We believe that window is clearer than it was before, and we feel very good about launching Battlefield in FY 26," Wilson stated during the company's financial call (via PC Gamer). He emphasized that they wouldn't want to release the game in a timeframe that "truncated the value" they've built up for the franchise over years of development.

Before Rockstar's announcement of the GTA 6 delay, many game companies were hesitant to schedule releases near the original Fall 2025 window. As one exec described the situation earlier this year, "We don't want to be anywhere near that."

According to financial reports, EA's upcoming Battlefield represents a significant investment and collaboration. Four studios—DICE, Ripple Effect, Criterion, and Motive—are working together on the project, which will include both single-player and multiplayer modes.

EA has also launched Battlefield Labs, its most extensive community-driven testing initiative ever. This program invites players across Europe, North America, and select areas of Asia to participate in pre-alpha testing sessions. Testers are focusing on fundamental gameplay elements like weapon balance, movement mechanics, combat pacing, and the series' trademark destruction features.

EA plans to officially reveal the next Battlefield game this summer, giving players their first proper look at what the company hopes will revitalize the franchise after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042. The game appears to be revisiting class-based gameplay with Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon roles being reassessed to support more strategic gameplay.

Wilson noted during the call that feedback from playtesters "has far exceeded expectations," suggesting confidence in the direction the new Battlefield is taking. With the GTA 6 delay providing breathing room, EA now has an opportunity to launch and establish its shooter in the market before Rockstar's juggernaut arrives.

The publisher expects its EA Sports portfolio along with the launches of the next Battlefield, Skate, and Sims titles to fuel year-over-year net bookings growth in fiscal year 2026.