by Ubisoft’s The Division 2 was released in 2019 but is still getting new content. Unlike the studio’s model for games like Rainbow 6: Siege and even Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, The Division 2 finds itself in an unusual cycle of repeating older events, with the addition of something new every now and then. As pointed out by Kotaku, the content of the upcoming fourth year of the game involves enemy forces taking over a nuclear power plant. Sound familiar?
In an unfortunate and unintentional coincidence, the events of this new content are similar to the tactics used by Russian forces in their invasion of Ukraine. They have strategically targeted nuclear power plants in the country, including the infamous Chernobyl power plant. While Ubisoft certainly had no intention of making any statement or hurting any feelings with this content, it might still leave a bad taste in your mouth.
The public test servers for Season 9 – the first season of Year 4 – actually went live on April 1st. It’s understandable why the developer isn’t making a big show of the upcoming content, but even with the final start date of the season still to be announced. Ubisoft seems to be playing it safe “given current world events”.
Additionally, David Polfeldt, Managing Director at Massive Entertainment, recently left Ubisoft. He worked on The Division, The Division 2, and The Division Heartland, so development might be hampered by that as well at the moment.
As for the studio’s contribution to the Ukraine relief effort, like many other developers, publishers, and manufacturers, it has ceased all sales and activities in Russia. In addition, the company has drawn up a detailed plan to support employees in Ukraine.
“Ubisoft has made additional funds available to all team members in Ukraine to help them cover exceptional costs, such as those related to their travel and relocation,” said a Ubisoft representative.
“Ubisoft provides housing in neighboring countries where teams and their families can find shelter if they wish and can. To ensure we stay closely connected with all teams, we have established hotlines to respond to their questions and needs and established an emergency communication system in case the infrastructure becomes unstable.”
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