The Division
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Division across the outlets.- Ubisoft continues with its cost-cutting program as it cuts 100+ jobs and ends game development at its Tom Clancy studio…Ubisoft has laid off 105 employees and ceased game development at its Tom Clancy studio, Red Storm Entertainment, as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures. The studio will now focus on Ubisoft's Snowdrop engine and IT support. This marks the third round of layoffs at Red Storm in three years, following similar cuts at other Ubisoft studios.
- Ubisoft ends game development at Red Storm and lays off 105 workersUbisoft has ended active game development at its subsidiary Red Storm Entertainment, resulting in the layoff of 105 employees as part of a global cost-saving initiative. The studio will transition to a support role, focusing on IT and engine development. This move is part of broader restructuring efforts within Ubisoft, which has seen multiple studio closures and layoffs this year.
- Ubisoft guts OG Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon studio, laying off 105 developers as Red Storm transitions from game…Ubisoft has reportedly laid off over 105 developers at Red Storm Entertainment, the studio originally known for creating the Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon series. The studio is transitioning away from game development to become a support studio for Ubisoft's Snowdrop engine.
- Ubisoft Just Ceased Game Development At The Studio That Created Rainbow Six - ReportUbisoft subsidiary Red Storm Entertainment has reportedly laid off over 100 developers and ceased active game development. The studio, co-founded by Tom Clancy and known for creating the Rainbow Six series, will now focus on supporting the Snowdrop game engine, IT services, and customer relations. This shift follows the cancellation of The Division Heartland and a Splinter Cell VR game, and the underperformance of Assassin's Creed Nexus VR.
- Ubisoft names new Creative House and Creative Network leadersUbisoft has announced new leadership appointments to support its Creative House operating model. Julien Bares will manage Creative Houses 3 and 5, overseeing live and casual game brands, while Thomas Andrén will lead the new Creative Network to provide cross-functional support. These changes come as Ubisoft undergoes a significant restructuring, including studio closures and cost-cutting measures.
- The Division 2 tops its best Steam concurrency numbers thanks to the franchise’s 10th anniversaryThe Division 2 has experienced a significant surge in player concurrency on PC, reaching its highest numbers on Steam to celebrate the franchise's 10th anniversary. This increase is attributed to a limited-time realism mode and the free availability of the Warlords of New York expansion. Future updates include a Central Park DLC and PvP improvements.
- Ubisoft Employee Says It’s “Far From Impossible” For It to Make a Big Hit AgainAn anonymous Ubisoft employee believes the company can still produce a hit game despite widespread criticism for mismanagement and disappointing releases. The employee cited a lack of accountability within leadership for development issues and layoffs, but expressed optimism about a new structure involving "creative houses" aimed at addressing past problems and fostering innovation. This comes amidst ongoing employee concerns, union calls for CEO Yves Guillemot's resignation, and accusations of nepotism and lack of diversity.
- PS5 Players Surprised With Free Update for 2014 Adventure GameUbisoft has released a free PlayStation 5 update for the 2014 action-adventure game Assassin's Creed Unity, enabling it to run at 60 frames per second. This update addresses the game's initial technical issues and allows players to re-experience 18th-century Paris with improved performance. The game is also currently discounted on the PlayStation Store, with free DLC available.
- The Division 2 is getting new DLC, a new Incursion and crossplay through 10th anniversary yearUbisoft has announced a significant Year 8 support plan for The Division 2, coinciding with the series' 10th anniversary. The update includes a new Incursion raid, a new DLC, and the long-awaited addition of crossplay across platforms. The Year 8 content will roll out through several seasons, starting with 'Rise Up' in April, featuring PvP balancing, new story missions, and a return to survival elements.
- The Division 2 marks 10 years of the franchise with realism mode, events, and DLC teasesThe Division franchise is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a major update for The Division 2, introducing a new realism mode and free access to the Warlords of New York expansion. The update also includes a new event pass, returning global events, and teases for future content like a new season, cross-platform play, and a DLC set in Central Park.
- The Division Resurgence gameplay overview trailer releasedUbisoft has released a gameplay overview trailer for the upcoming free-to-play mobile shooter, The Division Resurgence. The trailer showcases the game's core systems, including its cover-based mechanics, class specializations, and the Dark Zone, all translated for touchscreens. The Division Resurgence is set to launch on March 31 for iOS and Android devices.
- The Division 2 is getting a limited-time Realism Mode - making it more grounded and brutal - but there's a catchUbisoft and Massive Studios are celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Division franchise by introducing a limited-time Realism Mode to Tom Clancy's The Division 2. This mode will transform the looter shooter into a more punishing experience with fragile enemies, available for four weeks during the Anniversary Season. The Warlords of New York expansion will also be free during this period, and there's a possibility for Realism Mode to become permanent based on player response.
- Evening MultiplexDeveloper briefings have been released for Call of Duty: Warzone's Black Ops Royale mode. Additionally, The Division is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a showcase and the Anniversary Season for The Division 2, along with a look at 'The Road Ahead'.
- The long-delayed The Division Resurgence hits iOS and Android on March 31Ubisoft has announced that The Division Resurgence will launch on iOS and Android on March 31, following multiple delays since its initial 2021 announcement. This free-to-play mobile title is a third-person action RPG set in the universe of The Division, featuring an original story during the early pandemic in NYC. Pre-registration is open, and players of The Division 2 will receive in-game perks for participating.
- How The Division 2's Tougher, Limited-Time Realism Mode WorksUbisoft has introduced a limited-time Realism Mode for The Division 2, accessible through the Warlords of New York expansion until April 2. This mode enhances difficulty by removing HUD elements, rebalancing combat, and increasing player vulnerability, while also making ammo scarcer. Crossover outfits from other Tom Clancy titles are also available during the Anniversary Season.
- Is Star Wars Outlaws Any Good? - Review In Progress - The Game FanaticsStar Wars Outlaws offers a fun, grounded take on the Star Wars universe, placing players in the role of scoundrel Kay Vess between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Developed by Massive Entertainment, the game features a lively world, solid combat and stealth mechanics, and a unique ability upgrade system. While some flaws like a harsh checkpoint system and occasional physics glitches are present, the overall experience is a faithful and enjoyable depiction of the Star Wars galaxy, particularly for those new to its lore.
- Extraction Shooters Explained – What Kind of Game is Marathon? - IGNThe extraction shooter genre, popularized by games like Escape from Tarkov, is explained as a gameplay loop where players enter a map to find loot and complete objectives, then must extract before dying to keep their gear. Bungie's upcoming Marathon is highlighted as a new entry in the genre, alongside other notable titles like Arc Raiders and Hunt: Showdown. The article discusses the core mechanics, the risk of losing gear upon death, and the evolution of the genre.
- Nioh 3 review – Forward StanceTeam Ninja's Nioh 3 is a prequel that refines the souls-like combat the series is known for, introducing seamless switching between Samurai and Ninja styles. While the narrative is uneven, the gameplay shines with its razor-sharp combat, a new loot-driven system, and larger explorable spaces. Boss encounters remain a brutal and rewarding highlight, with stunning visuals and smooth performance.
- Ubisoft Q3 net bookings rise 12% to €338m, primarily driven by Assassin's Creed franchiseUbisoft reported a 12% year-on-year increase in Q3 net bookings to €338 million, exceeding its guidance, largely driven by the Assassin's Creed franchise and strong back-catalogue sales. The company also announced restructuring plans, including workforce reductions, and completed Tencent's investment in its Vantage Studios.