Julian Gerighty Departs Ubisoft for Battlefield Studios Shocker

In a stunning move that has gamers buzzing, Julian Gerighty, the longtime executive producer behind Ubisoft’s hit The Division series, has left the company after 27 years to join Battlefield Studios. This departure comes just days after he hyped up The Division 3 as a game-changing powerhouse, leaving fans wondering about the future of both franchises. What drove this sudden shift, and how will it impact upcoming titles?

Gerighty’s Surprise Exit and Ubisoft’s Response

Julian Gerighty’s departure from Ubisoft marks the end of an era for The Division fans. He announced the news on social media, saying it’s time to “hang up my go bag” while keeping his iconic watch, a nod to the series’ lore. Gerighty expressed excitement for his next adventure and confidence in The Division’s bright future.

Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment studio quickly responded with a heartfelt farewell. They praised his lasting legacy and assured players that the teams he built remain committed to ongoing projects. This includes updates for The Division 2, the upcoming The Division 2: Survivors expansion, the mobile title The Division Resurgence, and the highly anticipated The Division 3.

The timing raises eyebrows. Just last week, Gerighty appeared in a New Game+ showcase interview, calling The Division 3 “a monster” that could match the impact of the original 2016 game. Rumors of his exit swirled back in October 2025, but Massive denied them at the time, insisting he was still leading the franchise.

Fans reacted with a mix of sadness and support online. Some worry about leadership changes, while others see it as a fresh start for Gerighty.

A Storied Career at Ubisoft Spanning Decades

Gerighty joined Ubisoft in 1999, building a 27-year career that shaped some of the company’s biggest successes. He rose through the ranks, contributing to titles like the Splinter Cell series before taking the helm of The Division in 2013.

His work on The Division 1 revolutionized looter-shooter games, blending RPG elements with tactical combat in a post-apocalyptic New York. The sequel expanded that world, adding Washington, D.C., and ongoing live-service content that kept millions engaged.

Under his watch, The Division franchise sold over 40 million copies worldwide, according to Ubisoft’s 2024 fiscal reports. That’s no small feat in a crowded market dominated by games like Destiny and Call of Duty.

Gerighty’s leadership emphasized community feedback. He often engaged with players on social media, incorporating ideas into updates. This approach helped The Division 2 rebound from a rocky launch to become a staple for co-op gamers.

One standout achievement was the Warlords of New York expansion in 2020, which brought back the original setting and boosted player numbers by 30 percent, per Ubisoft data from that year.

What This Means for Battlefield and The Division’s Future

Gerighty heads to Battlefield Studios, a key part of Electronic Arts’ push to revive the Battlefield series after recent struggles. This move follows the tragic death of Battlefield franchise head Vince Zampella in a December 2025 car accident, creating a leadership gap.

Details on Gerighty’s exact role remain unclear, but his experience in large-scale multiplayer games makes him a perfect fit. Battlefield has faced criticism for bugs and lackluster launches, like 2021’s Battlefield 2042, which saw player counts drop sharply post-release.

Industry analysts suggest Gerighty could help steer Battlefield toward more narrative-driven modes or live-service stability, drawing from his Division playbook.

Back at Ubisoft, Massive promises no disruptions. They highlighted that core teams are intact, with ambitious plans unchanged. The Division 3, still in early development, aims to build on predecessors with bigger worlds and deeper stories.

Here’s a quick look at The Division’s upcoming slate:

• The Division 2 Updates: Free content drops through 2026, focusing on new missions and gear.
• The Division 2: Survivors: A survival-mode expansion set for late 2026.
• The Division Resurgence: Mobile entry launching mid-2026.
• The Division 3: No release date yet, but teased as a “game-changer.”

This shift could energize both series, but it also spotlights the high turnover in gaming’s top roles amid industry layoffs and consolidations.

Broader Impacts on the Gaming Industry

Gerighty’s move highlights ongoing talent shifts in gaming, where veterans jump ship for new challenges. Ubisoft has faced its own hurdles, including project delays and a 2025 stock dip after underperforming titles.

Battlefield Studios, under EA, is betting big on recovery. EA’s 2025 earnings report showed Battlefield revenue down 15 percent year-over-year, prompting strategic hires like Gerighty.

For players, this could mean innovative crossovers or fresh ideas. Imagine Division-style RPG elements in Battlefield’s massive battles.

Yet, it raises questions about stability. With Gerighty gone, will The Division 3 deliver on his vision? Early leaks suggest a San Francisco setting with new factions, but nothing is confirmed.

A recent Game Developers Conference survey from 2025 found that 40 percent of devs have switched jobs in the last two years, citing burnout and better opportunities. Gerighty’s 27-year run bucks that trend, making his exit even more notable.

This news hits at a time when gamers crave reliable franchises. It might push Ubisoft to accelerate announcements to keep faith alive.

As Julian Gerighty steps into his new role at Battlefield Studios, his departure from Ubisoft closes a chapter on one of gaming’s most enduring sagas while opening doors to exciting possibilities. Fans of The Division can take comfort in the studio’s reassurances, but the real test will come with future releases. What do you think about this shake-up? Will it boost Battlefield or leave The Division in limbo? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to your gaming buddies on social media.