Julian Gerighty, the prominent figure behind Ubisoft's acclaimed "The Division" series, has announced his departure from the company. He is embarking on a new professional journey with Battlefield Studios, a move that comes at a pivotal time for both franchises. This transition unfolds as "The Division 3" is in its nascent development stages, and following recent restructuring efforts within Ubisoft Massive, the studio responsible for the series.
Gerighty's Transition to Battlefield Studios Sparks Industry Buzz
In a recent development, Julian Gerighty, the executive producer for Ubisoft's "The Division" franchise, has announced his departure from the company to assume a new role at EA's Battlefield Studios. This significant career move was confirmed by Gerighty himself on social media, where he expressed enthusiasm for his next adventure while assuring fans that "The Division's" future remains promising. Ubisoft Massive, the developer behind "The Division" games, swiftly followed with their own statement, acknowledging Gerighty's invaluable contributions and wishing him well in his new endeavor, playfully remarking, "Once an Agent, always an Agent."
Gerighty's tenure at Ubisoft spanned over 25 years, during which he held various key positions, including creative director for "The Crew" and ultimately executive producer for "The Division," "The Division 2," and "Star Wars Outlaws." His appointment as executive producer for the entire "The Division" franchise in 2023 coincided with the announcement of "The Division 3" being in development.
The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy. Just a week prior, Gerighty had publicly discussed the future of "The Division 3" at the New Game+ showcase, confidently stating that it was "shaping up to be a monster." Furthermore, his departure follows closely on the heels of Ubisoft's decision to implement layoffs at Ubisoft Massive, after a "voluntary career transition program" did not achieve its intended workforce reduction goals. While there is no direct indication that the layoffs influenced Gerighty's decision, it highlights a period of significant change within Ubisoft.
This situation also brings to mind a previous instance where rumors of Gerighty's departure were circulating months ago, which Ubisoft Massive had explicitly denied as "far from true" at the time. The current confirmation underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the video game industry. While the split appears amicable, it echoes the departure of Marc-Alexis Côté, former vice president and executive producer of "Assassin's Creed," who left Ubisoft under similar circumstances, eventually revealing he was compelled to leave after declining a reduced role.
The departure of Julian Gerighty from Ubisoft to join Battlefield Studios serves as a potent reminder of the ever-shifting landscape within the gaming industry. It underscores the critical role that key creative figures play in shaping the trajectory of major franchises and the potential impact of their transitions. This event prompts reflection on the competitive nature of talent acquisition and retention in the fast-paced world of game development, where leadership changes can significantly influence a studio's strategic direction and the future of its intellectual properties.
