‘Tom Clancy’s The Division’ Beta Release Date and New Eye-Tracking Technology

By Mark Rollins
Tom Clancy's The Division
Tom Clancy's The Division Ubisoft

Tom Clancy's The Division is one of the most anticipated games of this year, as delay's for Ubisoft's game have only increased the demand for it.  The game takes place in New York City after a plague has struck, prompting the United States government to activate a special branch in order to restore order to the city.  Not only is there a lot of excitement over the release date, but there has been news of the beta for players that want to try it out.  This game can also be played with new Eye-Tracking technology (sold separately) that will work upon launch. 

According to Rock Paper Shotgun, Tom Clancy's The Division is returning to beta this weekend, and it will be open to everyone.  It is even possible to start pre-loading the game with Uplay or Steam, in order to find out when the beta unlocks in your region. 

The beta play starts on Friday, February 19 from 9 AM GMT, 10 AM CET, 1 AM PST, and 4 AM EST.  This beta will close on Sunday, February 21st.  To access it, The Division's beta will appear under the "Games" tab of the Uplay client automatically, or by clicking on the "Open Beta" banner on the game's Steam page.  This beta will also have a single-player mission set in a Subway Morgue to rescue Paul Rhodes, an engineer who can help establish the tech wing of your headquarters. 

Speaking of things that might help in The Division, CNET reports that eye-tracking will be available for the game upon launch.  This includes compatible sensors like Tobii's EyeX or SteelSeries Sentry Eye Tracker, and this type of technology could make a difference to players. 

Eye Tracker highlights the exact area on screen where he or she is looking. This is done in the form of a small colored circle that is about the size of a quarter, and it shows precisely where the user's eyes are. There is no headgear required for this, just a special sensor. 

How will this affect playing in The Division?  The HUD (Heads-Up Display) elements such as the mini-map will turn opaque and fade into the background when players are not looking directly at them.  Also, as players look toward the edge of the screen, the camera will shift in that direction. 

There is also the advantage of looking at an enemy automatically tags him with a marker, which allows teammates to spot that enemy a lot more easily.  It also allows players to select pieces of cover by scanning the environment with their eyes, and this new technology along with others like Virtual Reality are going to change how games are played. 

Tom Clancy's The Division will launch on March 8, 2016 for the PS4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.  The eye-tracking technology from Tobii or SteelSeries is available separately. 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo