News - Key Departures Amid Ubisoft's Massive Layoffs and Future of The Division

In light of recent upheavals at Ubisoft's Massive Entertainment, the gaming landscape is witnessing significant shifts. Julian Gerighty, a pivotal figure and long-standing developer at the studio, has made headlines by moving over to EA's Battlefield team after a notable 12-year tenure shaping the world of The Division. This transition comes on the cusp of an anticipated wave of layoffs at Massive, a decision Ubisoft reluctantly made following insufficient voluntary departures from an earlier redundancy process. Ubisoft has taken Gerighty's departure as an opportunity to affirm their ongoing commitment to The Division series. The video game giant asserts that the series, beloved for its intricate gaming worlds and dedicated community, remains in capable hands. "While Julian's presence will be deeply missed, his influence continues to resonate within Massive. Our dedicated teams who crafted this world with him are committed to its growth," Ubisoft has reassured fans. Despite the changes, the spirit of The Division series is emboldened by its determined creative leads. Yannick Banchereau and Mathias Karlson continue to spearhead the ambitious The Division 2 and 3 projects respectively, while Magnus Jansen has taken on the new extraction mode, Survivors. The announcement of The Division 3 has rekindled hope amid a quiet period, with Gerighty previously highlighting its potential to leave a substantial impact akin to its predecessor. In Gerighty's parting words on Twitter, he expressed excitement over his new chapter at EA while recognizing the bright future ahead for The Division's teams. "As I embark on this new adventure, I take the indelible memories and contributions from The Division world. It's an era anew for me, and the journey for The Division continues strong." The gaming community buzzes with speculation, particularly after a promotional teaser displayed at a Ubisoft esports event in Japan suggested a potential definitive edition of the original Division. Though Ubisoft has yet to confirm these rumors, such prospects continue to intrigue franchise fans. The coming months promise to be transformative for Ubisoft, Massive Entertainment, and The Division series, with industry observers keenly watching for further developments. Ubisoft's resolve remains firm: to navigate these changes with innovativeness and assure gamers of thrilling experiences today and beyond.