Ghost Recon Online is now Ghost Recon Phantoms, out of beta in April

Phantoms of the Operatives

I think I remember playing Ghost Recon Online back in the dim and distant past. That’s the strange thing about videogame writing, we’re always pressing on to the newest, latest and greatest thing with no time to look back. Apparently, Ghost Recon Online wasn’t even out of beta yet. If you’d asked me, I’d probably have guessed it was released in 2012. Oh, it’s also called Ghost Recon Phantoms now.

Ubisoft want to mind-wipe you of the name Ghost Recon Online and replace it with Ghost Recon Phantoms from 10 April onwards, which is the date on which the game will leave beta.

“The end of open beta is a new start to the game. The difference between where the game started and the game today is so considerable that we felt we should mark it with a fresh identity,” says Ghost Recon Online Phantoms producer Corey Facteau. The name makes it sound less like a free-to-play browser game too; which would be fine, except it is still a free-to-play browser game.

It’s a free-to-play browser game with a makeover, mind you. When Ghost Recon Phantoms reveals itself to the world, it’ll be with new character designs and an overhaul of all in-level lighting (you can see some screenshots to that effect, below.)

Matchmaking improvements are promised too, although by the sounds of it these are not so much matchmaking “improvements” as “there will actually be some matchmaking in place now.” Ubisoft says matchmaking will “now take into account both the skills and gear.” Further customisation options are being added too, including weapon camo systems.

Development will continue on the game even after 10 April and at present the team is said to be working on “tactical insertions and smoke grenades.” No childish giggling at the phrase “tactical insertions,” please. They should both be added to the game in the near future, when playtesting is concluded.