Publishers Adjust Release Schedules to Avoid GTA 6 Clash

The release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is prompting several major publishers to consider delaying their own game launches in order to avoid competing directly with Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated title.

Set for Fall 2025, GTA 6 is expected to sell 40 million copies and bring in $3 billion in its first year. With such staggering numbers, it’s no surprise that other publishers are wary of releasing their games too close to it. According to The Game Business, three major gaming companies have already decided to delay their releases to steer clear of the competition.

One industry executive compared GTA 6’s release to a "meteor," saying, "We don’t want to be anywhere near that." It’s a fair concern—Rockstar’s blockbuster could easily overshadow any game launching in the same window.

Timing is everything in the gaming world. One executive put it simply: "Time is the real scarcity for us, not money." The competition is fierce, and if a game is released too close to a massive title like GTA 6, it risks being overlooked.

Live-service game developers are also adjusting their strategies. Some are postponing major updates, knowing that trying to compete with GTA 6’s hype could significantly impact player engagement. Even Electronic Arts (EA) CEO Andrew Wilson hinted that the company might rethink its release schedule, suggesting that "certain events happening this year" could influence their decisions.

Could GTA 6 Actually Benefit the Industry?

While some publishers see GTA 6 as a challenge, others believe it could help the industry. Ubisoft, for example, has seen a boost in its own game sales after the launch of major titles like GTA. That suggests that while GTA 6 will dominate at first, it could also bring new and returning players into the gaming ecosystem—potentially benefiting other publishers in the long run.

As the countdown to GTA 6 continues, one thing is certain: its release will shake up the industry, and publishers are doing everything they can to adapt.