What we know about the Splinter Cell remake so far

Ubisoft has finally confirmed a Splinter Cell remake is on the way, bringing the beloved stealth series back after a long absence.

The Splinter Cell series has been supplying fans with stealth action-adventure since 2002. A game known for its ground-breaking interactive environments, you play as Sam Fisher, a highly trained black-ops agent who has to overcome various adversaries. After ten years, I can’t wait to revisit Sam and the original 2002 game in the Splinter Cell remake.

Ubisoft Toronto, the devs behind Far Cry 6, will bring us the Splinter Cell remake. Thanks to Ubisoft not having any specific agreements that would force them to release under the PlayStation banner solely, you can expect to see this remake grace Xbox, PC, and PlayStation platforms. 

Want to know more? Read on for everything we know about the Splinter Cell remake so far. 

Splinter Cell remake: cut to the chase

• What is it? A remake of 2002’s Splinter Cell
• When can I play it? TBC (but likely not for a while)
• What can I play it on? TBC, but expect PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC

Splinter Cell remake: release date and platforms

Unfortunately, we probably won’t get our hands on the Splinter Cell remake for a few years. Ubisoft confirmed in 2021 that the game is “in the very earliest stages of development”. That means we likely won’t see the remake release until at least 2024.

Given Ubisoft has said to expect “new-generation visuals and gameplay”, we imagine this remake will release (at least) on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. While the Splinter Cell remake will likely be available on Game Pass we are unsure as to how quickly it will appear on the Xbox service. It is possible that a delay will be made to guarantee good initial sales of the game.  

Splinter Cell remake: trailers

Latest trailer

We haven’t seen a gameplay trailer for the Splinter Cell remake just yet, but Ubisoft has released an announcement video on the project. 

This trailer is a celebration of everything Splinter Cell achieved and how it changed the identity of Ubisoft. This stealth game took the Toronto-based studio from working on Rayman, a bright and colorful platformer, and thrust it into the AAA lifestyle. 

If you’re interested in what it took to develop the Splinter Cell games and what the devs hope the next remake will look like, then check out the video below:

We’ve included some more Splinter Cell remake content in case one video isn’t enough to satiate your stealth hunger. To see all the remake trailers and Q&As that have been released so far, check out Ubisoft’s official YouTube channel (opens in new tab). 

Splinter Cell remake: story and setting

We know that the Splinter Cell remake will revisit the world and story from the first game released in 2002. 

The original plot starts with two undercover US operatives that go missing in Georgia, leading to Black-Ops agent Sam Fisher being sent in to investigate. As Sam searches for the missing agents, he uncovers a larger plot surrounding a corrupt government and nuclear missiles. 

While this story was great in 2002, the first game isn’t known for its narrative excellence. Luckily we could be getting a refurb of this dated plot. A job listing for Scriptwriter [Splinter Cell] at Ubisoft Toronto has emerged online, hinting at what we can expect. As spotted by Tech4Gamers (opens in new tab), this confirms that Ubisoft plans to update Splinter Cell’s story for modern-day audiences.

“We want to keep the spirit and themes of the original game while exploring our characters and the world to make them more authentic and believable,” the listing confirms. So, while producer Matt West has previously established Ubisoft wants to ensure the “spirit of the early games remains intact,” expect a few updates.

Splinter Cell remake: gameplay

In the announcement blog post, producer Matt West revealed that the Splinter Cell remake is being built from the ground up, with visual and design updates. But West also confirmed, contrary to rumor, the remake will not feature an open world.

“So, as we’re building it from the ground up, we’re going to update it visually, as well as some of the design elements to match player comfort and expectations, and we are going to keep it linear like the original games, not make it open world,” West wrote.

Splinter Cell remake: news

Being built on Ubisoft’s Snowdrop engine
Ubisoft has confirmed the Splinter Cell remake is being developed on its Snowdrop engine, which is also being used for its upcoming Star Wars game and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.