Battlefield Release Date Change

by

For studios, it’s beneficial to manage expectations by providing ample time for game releases, allowing players flexibility as they prepare for a major title launch.

Instead of typically being coy about such matters, Electronic Arts opted for an unusual strategy when revealing the launch date for their upcoming Battlefield title.

During its third-quarter fiscal year 2025 financial results conference, the company unveiled their estimated launch period for the upcoming Battlefield game. As noted in the meeting minutes, Electronic Arts plans to debut this unnamed Battlefield title anywhere from April 2025 up until April 2026.

This announcement provided Electronic Arts (EA) with an opportune timeframe to adjust their release date considering competitive maneuvers, as well as insights gathered from their latest community playtesting initiative.

What is confusing some players is CEO Andrew Wilson’s comments released immediately after.

In a question-and-answer period, Wilson mentioned there could be events in the upcoming year that might lead us to reconsider our launch schedule.

In the same careful manner, he suggested that if the developers approached that deadline and felt it wouldn’t be an ideal opportunity, the company might consider exploring an alternative timeline instead.

During investor meetings, it’s not groundbreaking to play it safe, but the specific risks and potential outcomes leading to a possible delay can spark creative thinking.

Fear Of GTA, Or In-Genre Threats?

Many reporters and gaming figures link EA’s careful strategy to the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

It seems a bit strange, but it appears that the game should be released quite soon (definitely before Star Citizen’s Squadron 42 campaign).

It’s undeniable that Grand Theft Auto 6 will likely be the most significant launch of either 2025 or 2026. However, there are potential rivals, some of which might be more crucial to EA’s attention.

Since halting the franchise in 2019, Ubisoft plans to release a new Ghost Recon game by 2026, said to be their largest tactical shooting game to date.

There are rumblings that Activision might launch a fresh addition to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series next year, potentially causing more harm to Battlefield’s sales than any Grand Theft Auto game would.

Irrespective of the influence Rockstar holds, managing to release Battlefield before Call of Duty could significantly boost its position against its long-standing competitor.

Among the budget metrics, there are exciting game titles such as ’83 (created by the developers behind Rising Storm 2: Vietnam) due for release this year, and the much-awaited launch of ARMA 4 scheduled for 2027.

There is no ‘safe’ release date for Battlefield to monopolize the attention in the next two years.

Read More

2025-02-06 01:11