In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the video game industry, a key creative force behind Ubisoft's The Division franchise has defected to a major rival. Julian Gerighty, the executive producer on the acclaimed series, has announced his departure from Ubisoft's Massive Entertainment to take on a new role at Electronic Arts' Battlefield Studios.
A Sudden Departure After Recent Reassurances
The announcement, made on January 16, 2026, comes as a particular surprise given recent statements. Just over a week prior, Gerighty had enthusiastically described the long-awaited The Division 3 as "shaping up to be a monster." Furthermore, Ubisoft had explicitly denied rumours of his exit only three months ago, labelling them as "far from true."
Massive Entertainment released a statement paying tribute to Gerighty's legacy, noting: "While we’ll miss him, his mark will live on at Massive... Julian, your legacy is part of this studio and remember: once an Agent, always an Agent." The studio moved quickly to reassure fans, confirming that veteran developers Yannick Banchereau and Mathias Karlson remain as creative directors on The Division 2 and the upcoming The Division 3, respectively.
What This Means for The Division and Battlefield
Gerighty's exit raises immediate questions about the future of The Division 3, which was announced in September 2023 but has yet to show any public footage. His departure follows a proposed organisational restructure at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm, announced earlier in the week, which is set to affect 55 jobs.
Conversely, his arrival at EA's Battlefield Studios marks a significant hire for the franchise, which is in a period of transition. The move comes just weeks after the tragic death of the franchise's lead, Vince Zampella, in a car crash in Los Angeles. While Gerighty's specific role at Battlefield remains unclear, his extensive experience as a director on major live-service titles like The Division and The Division 2, as well as the recent Star Wars Outlaws, will be a major asset.
A Veteran's New Adventure
In a personal post, Gerighty bid farewell to the community he helped build, writing: "It’s time for me to hang up my go bag (keeping the watch) as I go on another grand adventure. The Division burns bright... Long live The Division and Godspeed!"
Gerighty, who joined Ubisoft in 1999 and rose to become a creative director on The Crew, has been a central figure at Massive Entertainment since 2015. All eyes will now be on the 10th anniversary of The Division on March 8, 2026, for a potential update on the franchise's future without its longtime steward.
