Fans of Ubisoft’s action role-playing series, Tom Clancy’s The Division, have reason to celebrate as the developer has discreetly unveiled the highly anticipated third installment in the franchise. The Division and its sequel, The Division 2, both released in 2019, remain cherished gems in Ubisoft’s gaming portfolio, boasting a dedicated and enduring fan base.
The storyline of The Division franchise unfolds in a post-apocalyptic United States, ravaged by a deadly viral pandemic known as the Dollar Flu, a sinister offshoot of smallpox. Initially decimating New York City, the contagion later spread its devastation to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. The series has garnered praise for its captivating gameplay, catering to both single-player and multiplayer enthusiasts, while its intricate narrative and immersive world-building have consistently drawn players in. For quite some time, fans have been fervently awaiting news of The Division 3.
Contrary to earlier reports this year suggesting Ubisoft had no plans for The Division 3, it appears the rumors were wide of the mark. In a rather unassuming manner, Ubisoft has officially confirmed the development of the third mainline installment in the franchise. The announcement unveiled Julian Gerighty as the new executive producer of The Division brand at Massive Entertainment, with his tenure commencing once his role as creative director for Star Wars Outlaws concludes. Ubisoft, in describing Gerighty’s new role, stated, “Now, he’s setting his sights on Tom Clancy’s The Division 3, as well as a plethora of other projects set in The Division universe.”
The nonchalant mention of this long-awaited sequel sent shockwaves across social media platforms, with The Division 3 swiftly becoming a trending topic on Twitter and other online forums. Among the projects disclosed in Ubisoft’s statement are a free-to-play spin-off called The Division Heartland, a mobile game named The Division Resurgence, and the much-speculated-about movie adaptation. However, many die-hard franchise enthusiasts expressed their disappointment with these announcements, yearning instead for a true successor to the first two core entries.
Notably, The Division Resurgence has already undergone a couple of closed beta tests, receiving generally positive feedback. Echoing the original game’s setting, it unfolds in a post-Dollar Flu New York City and introduces a fresh narrative perspective, casting players as the inaugural wave of Division agents dispatched to restore order. The game will also reintroduce the enigmatic Dark Zone and feature cameo appearances by familiar NPCs.
As for The Division 3, beyond the brief reference in Ubisoft’s announcement regarding Gerighty’s new role, details remain scant. Fans are eagerly anticipating more information and, if we’re lucky, perhaps even a glimpse of trailers in the near future.