At least three major video game publishers are reportedly prepared to delay their upcoming releases depending on the GTA 6 release window. Rockstar’s highly anticipated sequel is officially set to release this fall, though a specific date has yet to be confirmed. Parent company Take-Two Interactive recently stated that the game remains on track for its planned release window, whenever that is.
According to a report from The Game Business, multiple publishers are strategizing to avoid the GTA 6 release window, which is expected to dominate the market as the biggest release of 2025. One senior executive from a major publisher reportedly said, “Rockstar games always suck a lot of money and, more importantly, time out of the market.” Of course, no developer wants to be a part of that, so developers are moving their titles around to reduce the losing fight.
Another executive highlighted the challenges of finding a suitable release window, even without GTA 6 in the mix. “Time is the real scarcity for us, not money. It’s tough out there,” they said.
A European AAA publisher expressed concerns about GTA 6 potentially launching in late October or early November, a period that could delay their release plans. So, their game will either have to launch earlier or delay it far enough until it is “safe.” Pushing it too far would reach Black Friday sales, another time period that publishers would much rather avoid for new releases.
The impact of GTA 6 is not limited to new game releases. Two major live-service game developers said they are considering moving significant updates away from the game’s launch window. One studio boss likened the release of GTA 6 to a “huge meteor,” saying they will nudge their releases by a few weeks to avoid it and that everyone else is doing the same.
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson has also suggested that EA could adjust the release of its next Battlefield game depending on GTA 6’s final launch date.
