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Ubisoft's *The Division 3* Creative Director Departs

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 0:44 GMT by Eurogamer

Sunday, January 18th, 2026 - A significant shakeup has occurred within Ubisoft's Division franchise as Yann Cauillet, the creative director for The Division 3, has unexpectedly departed the company to join Ripple Effect Studios. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already delayed and restructured project, sparking questions about the future direction of the highly anticipated sequel.

Cauillet's departure, confirmed earlier today, marks the end of a 16-year tenure at Ubisoft. During his time with the company, he held increasingly prominent leadership roles, contributing to the development of the original The Division, The Division 2, and Division Heartlands - the initial working title for what is now officially The Division 3. His appointment as creative director for The Division 3 occurred relatively recently, in August 2023, suggesting the shift might have occurred during a period of internal reassessment or disagreement regarding the game's design.

Ripple Effect Studios Welcomes Experienced Live-Service Leader

The move itself is noteworthy. Ripple Effect Studios, best known for its work on the Battlefield franchise, is currently laser-focused on developing a new installment in the popular multiplayer series. Cauillet's skillset, honed through years of experience in the live-service game space, is seen as a major asset to the studio. The Division games, known for their persistent online world and ongoing content updates, inherently require a deep understanding of live-service development principles - a key reason Cauillet's expertise is so valuable to Ripple Effect.

According to official statements, Cauillet will report directly to Rebecca Herschner, the studio head of Ripple Effect Studios. This indicates a significant level of responsibility and influence he'll hold within the team, suggesting a potentially crucial role in shaping the new Battlefield title.

What Does This Mean for The Division 3?

The timing of Cauillet's departure is particularly concerning for fans of The Division franchise. The project has already faced considerable delays and undergone significant restructuring. Initial plans for a more open-world, heartland-focused experience (as hinted at by the Division Heartlands codename) have reportedly been scaled back and reworked. This latest development raises concerns that the game's development might be further impacted.

While Ubisoft has not publicly commented on the reasons behind Cauillet's departure, industry analysts speculate that creative differences or disagreements regarding the project's direction may have played a role. The restructuring process likely involved difficult decisions, and Cauillet's exit could signify a fundamental shift in the game's design philosophy. The loss of a key creative leader at this stage is rarely a smooth transition, and it is likely to introduce further uncertainty into the development timeline.

Furthermore, Ubisoft has yet to announce a replacement for Cauillet, leaving the future leadership of The Division 3 in limbo. The search for a suitable replacement, one who understands the nuances of the franchise and the demands of a live-service game, could be lengthy and complex. The chosen candidate will face the challenge of not only steering the game forward but also attempting to reconcile any underlying tensions or shifts in creative vision that may have contributed to Cauillet's departure.

Looking Ahead

The situation surrounding The Division 3 remains fluid. While Cauillet's departure represents a setback, Ripple Effect Studios' acquisition of his expertise could prove beneficial to their own ongoing projects. For fans of The Division, the immediate concern is the impact this will have on the development timeline and the overall quality of the final product. Ubisoft will need to address this situation quickly and transparently to reassure players and maintain confidence in the franchise's future. The lack of communication so far only exacerbates anxieties amongst dedicated players. The next few months will be crucial in determining the fate of The Division 3.