Splinter Cell: Ubisoft Confirms Major Progress Despite Ongoing Cancellation Rumors


Article by Filip Radivojevic
Ubisoft fans have been eagerly awaiting more news about the highly anticipated Splinter Cell Remake, and after years of silence, the game is still in development with a planned release window of 2026. For fans of the Splinter Cell franchise, this remake promises to bring back the iconic stealth-action experience that made the series a staple in gaming, but with a modern twist.
First announced in 2021, the Splinter Cell Remake has been under development at Ubisoft Toronto, the same studio responsible for some of Ubisofts most successful titles. Despite ongoing rumors that the project might have been quietly canceled, recent reports confirm that its alive and making steady progress.
Splinter Cell Remake by Ubisoft
What to Expect from the Remake?
The Splinter Cell Remake will be a fresh reimagining of the 2002 original game, but with updated visuals and gameplay to meet modern gaming standards. While the game will feature a host of new technological improvements, it will stay true to its roots by maintaining the beloved linear levels instead of transitioning to the open-world format that Ubisoft is known for with titles like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.
One of the most exciting updates comes from Ubisoft's decision to use the Snowdrop Engine, the same engine that powered visually stunning titles like The Division 2 and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. This choice ensures that the environments in the remake will be more detailed and immersive than ever before. Fans of Sam Fisher can look forward to seeing his iconic night vision goggles shine in ultra-high definition.
If you're wondering, "When is the Splinter Cell Remake coming out?" the latest reports suggest a 2026 release date. Though we've seen little official gameplay footage since its announcement, sources close to Ubisoft have reassured fans that the project is progressing smoothly under the codename North.
What Makes the Splinter Cell Franchise Stand Out?
With Splinter Cell Remake on the horizon, it's a good time to reflect on why this franchise remains so iconic. Sam Fisher and his stealth missions have set the standard for the stealth-action genre for nearly two decades. The games emphasis on tactical espionage, combined with thrilling gameplay, helped it rise to the top of gaming's greatest series, alongside names like Metal Gear Solid.
Even though Ubisoft has shifted focus toward large open-world games, the return of a linear stealth-action game like Splinter Cell could serve as a refreshing change. Fans have been craving a revival of the genre, which has been somewhat neglected in recent years.
If successful, the Splinter Cell Remake could not only bring the series back to life but also revitalize interest in stealth-action games. With few competitors in this niche genre, the remake has a real chance of becoming one of the most talked-about releases in the coming years.
Behind the Scenes: Development Insights
As is often the case with highly anticipated games, the development of Splinter Cell Remake has not been without its challenges. After the game was announced in December 2021, news surfaced in 2022 that David Grivel, the games original director, had left Ubisoft after over a decade of working with the company. It remains unclear who has taken over the director's role, but Ubisoft has reassured fans that the project continues to move forward.
In the early stages of development, Matt West, the games producer, mentioned that the goal was to rebuild the game from the ground up, with updates that modernize the game while staying true to its stealth roots. Fans have expressed their hopes that the remake will capture the magic of the original while introducing quality-of-life improvements that make the gameplay experience smoother and more engaging for todays players.
Beyond the Remake: What's Next for Sam Fisher?
While the Splinter Cell Remake is still a long way off, it's not the only project that fans of Sam Fisher can look forward to. Ubisoft has also been working on an animated Splinter Cell series, titled Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, currently in development. This series is expected to expand on the Splinter Cell universe and look into the life of Sam Fisher, offering fans even more content in the years to come.
With the success of stealth-action games dwindling in recent years, Ubisoft's efforts to bring Splinter Cell back in multiple formats could give the genre the revival it desperately needs. Could this be the start of a broader stealth-action revival? Only time will tell, but the buzz around the Splinter Cell Remake suggests that interest is still very much alive.
What Fans Are Saying
As always, the gaming community is full of speculation. The promise of a 2026 release date feels both exciting and frustrating for fans who have been waiting for news since the last official entry in the franchise, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, was released over a decade ago.
Some fans are cautiously optimistic about the Splinter Cell Remake, while others are wary due to Ubisoft's recent track record with ambitious projects. Ubisoft's focus on the Snowdrop Engine and its prior success with games like Star Wars Outlaws could be a major factor in whether the game will deliver on its promises. The community's hope is that the Splinter Cell Remake will maintain the tactical, intense stealth mechanics that made the original game iconic, while updating it for a new generation of gamers.
Splinter Cell Remake by Ubisoft
Final Thoughts
The future of Splinter Cell is still bright, and despite the long development time, fans can rest assured knowing that the Splinter Cell Remake is steadily progressing. Whether it will meet its 2026 release date or face further delays remains to be seen, but for now, the franchise's loyal fan base can keep the excitement alive.
In the meantime, stay tuned with us at RenderHub for more updates on the development of Splinter Cell Remake and other Ubisoft games. And with Ubisoft Toronto leading the charge, it looks like Sam Fisher will be stepping back into the shadows once again, ready to take on a new generation of missions.