Julian Gerighty’s sudden departure from Ubisoft Massive to EA’s Battlefield Studios comes at a strikingly coincidental moment: just days after he publicly championed The Division 3’s future, Ubisoft is juggling rumors of a “Definitive Edition” of the original game, the ongoing grind-heavy lifecycle of The Division 2, and the early development of The Division 3. The timing raises questions about leadership continuity and the franchise’s trajectory.
Ubisoft Loses a Key Creative Voice
Julian Gerighty, a long-time Ubisoft veteran and creative director of The Division series, has officially left Ubisoft Massive to join EA’s Battlefield Studios. His departure comes just a week after he spoke enthusiastically about The Division 3, describing it as a major project in the works. Ubisoft confirmed the move, noting that while Gerighty’s “mark will live on,” the franchise will continue under the guidance of Yannick Banchereau and Mathias Karlson for both The Division 2 and The Division 3.
The Coincidental Timing
The timing of this exit is particularly striking, as it coincides with a period of heightened activity for the franchise: rumors swirl about a “Definitive Edition” of the original The Division (2016), potentially repackaged with modern enhancements to reintroduce the series to new players and capitalize on nostalgia; The Division 2 continues to push seasonal content, expansions like Survivors, and modes such as Extraction, with its grind-heavy nature remaining a core part of its identity; and The Division 3, though still in early development, is being positioned as an ambitious next chapter that Ubisoft insists remains unchanged despite Gerighty’s exit.
This convergence of an anniversary-style re-release, a live-service grind, and a next-gen sequel makes his departure feel almost paradoxical—he leaves just as the franchise is poised for its biggest multi-pronged push. Beyond Ubisoft, Gerighty’s move to Battlefield Studios is significant because both franchises occupy the competitive shooter space, and his expertise in world-building, live-service design, and player retention mechanics could influence Battlefield’s future direction.
Meanwhile, Ubisoft faces the challenge of maintaining momentum without one of its most recognizable creative leads.
Industry Context
- Gerighty’s move to Battlefield Studios is significant because both franchises occupy the competitive shooter space. His expertise in world-building, live-service design, and player retention mechanics could influence Battlefield’s future direction.
- Ubisoft, meanwhile, faces the challenge of maintaining momentum without one of its most recognizable creative leads.
What It Means for Players
Ubisoft has emphasized that veteran creative directors remain in charge, and Gerighty himself reassured fans that “The Division’s future burns bright”. meanwhile, a Definitive Edition could serve as a bridge, re-engaging lapsed fans while The Division 2 sustains the grind until The Division 3 arrives.
Fans may worry about vision consistency, but Ubisoft’s messaging suggests confidence in the franchise’s stability.
Quick Comparison of Franchise Status
| Project | Current Status | Leadership | Player Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Division (Definitive Edition, rumored) | Not confirmed, but heavily speculated | Ubisoft Massive | Could reintroduce franchise to new players, boost nostalgia |
| The Division 2 | Ongoing seasonal grind, expansions | Yannick Banchereau | Keeps veteran players engaged, live-service backbone |
| The Division 3 | Early development, ambitious scope | Mathias Karlson, Ubisoft Massive | Long-term sequel, future of franchise |
In short: Ubisoft is doubling down on The Division at the very moment its most visible creative leader exits. The coincidence underscores both the franchise’s resilience and the industry’s volatility—Ubisoft must now prove that The Division can thrive without Gerighty, even as it prepares a multi-front expansion of the brand.
