The MMO shooter The Division introduces an exceptional group of enemies called the “Cleaners”.
Every MMO needs its foes, its villains, the minions you fight against. In fantasy and science-fiction scenarios, it’s easy to pull these bad guys from a whole host of archetypal and established enemies. Their motivation usually boils down to “I’m just evil!” or even simpler “Look at me, I didn’t get these fangs because I’m a vegetarian, but because I love human flesh!” But where do villains come from in a scenario that is so focused on realism and authenticity as Tom Clancy’s The Division?
In The Division, you are given a glimpse behind the scenes and see what was considered when designing the “Cleaners”. They serve as one of many factions that represent population and interest groups in a New York after a bio-attack. And at a time when the crisis is still ongoing.
In The Division, factions must:
- be plausible
- be fun or cool
- support a range of gameplay mechanics
- pose a threat to The Division and the players’ goals
- fit the overall look and style of the game
The Cleaners check all these boxes. They are a group clad in protective suits with flamethrowers. They are out to burn everything that looks like it has been contaminated by the virus. And even just a quiet suspicion is enough.
As they burn both innocent civilians and valuable resources, players quickly find themselves in conflict with them.
The team at Ubisoft explains that in “The Division”, of course, you need enemies, but you cannot rely on long-established foes. You can’t just give the factions in The Division helmets with horns or shoulder pads. Everything needs to make sense and fit the realistic setting.
The “Cleaners” have a clear goal: to contain the virus and prevent its spread. They have a well-defined look. And they control certain zones but also patrol others, with their motivation clearly conflicting with that of the players.
It seems like The Division has found the perfect realistic orcs. Even if one would never phrase it that way.
