In what could be described as a strategic move, Ubisoft has opted for a surprise reveal, announcing the next installment of its groundbreaking Tom Clancy franchise – The Division 3. Unlike the huge promotional campaigns synonymous with such colossal reveals, the gaming giant decided on a more subtle method: a series of press releases and blog posts that spotlight the veteran creative, Julian Gerighty, shifting roles within Massive Entertainment.
Julian Gerighty, a name associated with the Ubisoft legacy for 25 years, has been at the creative helm of industry stalwarts like The Crew, Ghost Recon, and the Splinter Cell series. He’s well recognized for steering the ship of the first two Division games, showcasing a futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting in cities like New York and Washington DC. The Division games, for those unaware, are Ubisoft’s spin on shared world shooters that mirror the vibes of Destiny 2, albeit grounded in a military setting. Though The Division 2, released in 2019, brought plenty of innovations to the table, it couldn’t quite achieve the allure of Bungie’s free-to-play Destiny 2.
The announcement coincided with the wrapping up of Massive Entertainment’s Star Wars Outlaws, which saw Gerighty as the creative director. While many might think that this transition is sudden, it’s a planned move where Gerighty will transition from the intergalactic saga to a universe he’s deeply familiar with. In his new role, he’ll not only focus on The Division 3 but also on expanding the Division universe with ventures like the mobile game, The Division Resurgence, and the much-anticipated The Division Heartland.
Sharing his excitement, Gerighty expressed his fondness for The Division’s universe, citing its relatability and realism. He reminisced about the gameplay aspects from co-op, PvP to the open-world RPG elements. “The Division franchise might have amassed over 40 million players, but its narrative journey has just begun,” he noted.
It’s important to highlight that Ubisoft is treading with careful optimism. The company has made it clear that before Massive Entertainment delves deep into The Division universe, its immediate focus remains on Star Wars Outlaws, expected to launch in 2024. With Gerighty’s vast experience and the franchise’s promising foundation, fans are in for an exciting gaming evolution.
