In 2021, Ubisoft revealed that it is working on a remake of the first Splinter Cell game, news that divided fans of the franchise. On the one hand, the idea of a fresh take on the original Splinter Cell, now somewhat dated compared to more modern stealth-action games like Metal Gear Solid V, is tantalizing and filled with promise. At the same time, Ubisoft's decision to remake the original, iconic release rather than continue the series with a fresh entry is emblematic of the AAA industry's bearishness when it comes to new ideas.
Discussions about this upcoming Splinter Cell project have been muted since its initial reveal, perhaps because virtually no additional information has come to light. Ubisoft remains tight-lipped about the project and hasn't shown any gameplay, prompting some to worry that it could follow titles like Beyond Good and Evil 2 down into Development Hell. Additionally, Ubisoft's recent struggles with games like Star Wars Outlaws have sparked speculation that the company is shying away from big-budget releases. These concerns have been compounded by recent rumors and leaks, which paint a complicated picture of Splinter Cell's future.
Splinter Cell Remake Rumors Laid Bare
Leaks Spell Bad News for the Splinter Cell Remake
Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe, who garnered credibility for predicting the Switch 2's delay to 2025, among other things, recently made some claims about the status of the Splinter Cell remake. Lippe went on record stating that the project has been internally delayed due to a number of development problems. Lippe claimed that no firm release date could be established for the game—a bleak prospect for those hoping to get their hands on it soon, especially considering that it has supposedly been in development for a number of years already.
Lippe's claims seem to hold water as, while Ubisoft is understandably opaque about its development process, the departure of the Splinter Cell remake's director, David Grivel, just a year after its official announcement seems like a bad portent. Grivel leaving Ubisoft was part of a larger talent exodus from the company a few years ago, which may have had other negative knock-on effects for the Splinter Cell remake, though this is just speculation. As with any leak, Lippe's statements should be taken with a grain of salt, but the tumultuous state of Ubisoft in 2024 lends his claims credence.
Grivel returned to Ubisoft in May 2024, but it's unclear if he is still helming the Splinter Cell remake.
Splinter Cell Blacklist Remaster Rumors
Though it's not typically considered the best Splinter Cell game out there, Ubisoft may be working on a Splinter Cell Blacklist remaster. This information also comes courtesy of Lippe, who claimed that the Blacklist remaster was initially intended to be revealed this summer, followed by a subsequent release later in 2024. Of course, this announcement never wound up happening, so it's not entirely clear if this project is still in the works, or if it is suffering a delay similar to the more ambitious Splinter Cell remake.
With Blacklist only being released in 2013, it's certainly an interesting choice for a remaster, especially when more beloved entries like Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory would probably benefit more from spruced-up visuals and performance.
These rumors raise some interesting questions about the current state and future of the Splinter Cell franchise. Fans have been begging for a new Splinter Cell for years now, and while many would settle for a remake or remaster, they may not quite scratch that same itch. The rumored delay of the remake hopefully doesn't lead to a full cancelation as the combination of it and a Blacklist remaster could be the spark that reignites the series, paving the way for a proper sequel in the future.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- August 20, 2013
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Toronto
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Engine
- unreal engine 2 & 2.5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Splinter Cell
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, PC
- Genre(s)
- Stealth
