While some developers are toasting Rockstar’s delay of Grand Theft Auto VI to 2026, others are freaking out, unsure how to position their own games. With GTA 6 now slated for May 26, 2026, the industry’s release calendar is in total disarray.

In the world of video games, few titles have the gravitational pull of Grand Theft Auto VI. Just one announcement can freeze the entire market, overshadowing any major release and forcing companies to rethink their strategies. While many fans were disappointed to learn of the 2026 delay, it’s caused an even bigger ripple effect behind the scenes. Developers and publishers are now scrambling to decide their next move.

Rockstar’s confirmation that GTA 6 will drop in May 2026 has left the industry on edge. According to Bloomberg, several anonymous sources working on AAA games revealed that studios have already adjusted internal timelines to steer clear of Rockstar’s mammoth open-world title. And there’s a looming question industry insiders are now asking: what if it gets delayed again?

When it comes to something as massive as GTA 6, nothing is certain. One studio already postponed its multiplayer game from fall 2025 to spring 2026. Now they’re debating whether to risk launching alongside Rockstar’s juggernaut or push it again, even if it means racking up unexpected costs. On top of that, the timing of GTA 6’s online component – likely launching weeks or months later – is another wildcard. For online-focused games, that staggered release could steal their spotlight completely.

EA Keeps an Eye on GTA 6 for Battlefield Launch

While some studios are stressed trying to dodge GTA 6, others see the delay as a strategic opportunity. Electronic Arts, for instance, is closely monitoring Rockstar’s plans as it lines up its next Battlefield entry. Although EA never name-dropped GTA directly, the publisher did hint at a clearer release window for its upcoming multiplayer shooter. “We think that window is clearer now than it was before, and we feel really good about launching Battlefield in fiscal year 2026 (ending April 2026),” said Andrew Wilson.

Source: 3djuegos