Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Remake

Lore & Background

On 15 December 2021, Ubisoft formally announced that a remake of the original Splinter Cell was green-lit, led by Ubisoft Toronto. The announcement noted the use of Ubisoft's in-house Snowdrop engine and emphasized that the remake would be built from scratch rather than simply remastered. Concept art was posted by Ubisoft as a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Splinter Cell franchise. The director, David Grivel, left the project in October 2022 but returned to the project on December 2, 2025, continuing his role as director.

According to producer Matt West and creative director Chris Auty, the remake will keep the game's linear mission-based structure rather than shift to an open-world format. The team has said they strive to preserve the 'feel' of the early games—using darkness, gadgets, infiltration, and the idea of being a ghost in the shadows. While the core will be faithful, some design elements will be updated to meet modern player expectations, including controls, UI, and comfort options.

Reader's Guide

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Remake represents a significant effort by Ubisoft to revisit one of the foundational titles in the stealth-action genre. By rebuilding the 2002 original from the ground up using the Snowdrop engine, the project aims to introduce a new generation of players to the series' hallmark emphasis on shadows, gadgets, and methodical infiltration. The decision to retain a linear mission structure rather than adopt an open-world format signals a commitment to the focused, level-based design that defined the early Splinter Cell games. The development has seen leadership changes, with director David Grivel departing in October 2022 and returning in December 2025, but the core vision—as articulated by producer Matt West and creative director Chris Auty—remains centered on preserving the original's atmosphere and gameplay feel while updating controls, UI, and comfort features for modern audiences. As a remake announced during the franchise's 20th anniversary, the project carries the weight of fan expectations and the challenge of balancing nostalgia with contemporary design standards. Its eventual release will likely serve as a benchmark for how classic stealth games can be reimagined for current hardware and player sensibilities.

Did You Know?

• The remake was formally announced on 15 December 2021.
• It is being built using Ubisoft's in-house Snowdrop engine.
• Director David Grivel left the project in October 2022 and returned on December 2, 2025.
• The remake will retain a linear mission-based structure rather than an open-world format.