Splinter Cell Remake Still in Development Despite Ubisoft Layoffs

Remake Development Continues

According to IGN, Ubisoft has confirmed that the Splinter Cell remake is still in active development despite recent layoffs at Ubisoft Toronto, the studio spearheading the project. The announcement comes after fresh rounds of job cuts hit the developer, raising concerns about the long-dormant franchise's future.

Ubisoft Toronto has been working on the remake since its announcement in December 2021, though the company has shared minimal updates in the years since. The project aims to rebuild the original Splinter Cell from the ground up for modern platforms, while preserving the stealth gameplay that defined Sam Fisher's debut. The studio has emphasized they're not just remastering the 2002 classic but completely reimagining it with contemporary game design sensibilities, updated controls, and modern graphics technology.

The original Splinter Cell launched during the golden age of stealth games, competing directly with Metal Gear Solid and Thief for genre dominance. Sam Fisher's methodical, gadget-heavy approach to infiltration carved out a distinct identity that spawned six mainline sequels and made the franchise one of Ubisoft's most recognizable properties. However, the series has been dormant since Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist in 2013, leaving a generation of players who've never experienced Fisher's brand of tactical espionage action.

Ongoing Studio Restructuring

The layoffs at Ubisoft Toronto are part of broader restructuring efforts across Ubisoft's studios. While the company did not specify how many positions were affected or which departments saw cuts, they emphasized that development on the Splinter Cell remake would continue. This pattern of reassurance-amid-cuts has become familiar across the industry, though it does little to ease concerns about project timelines and scope.

Ubisoft Toronto isn't just handling Splinter Cell. The studio has been a key support developer on major franchises like Far Cry and Assassin's Creed, meaning these layoffs could have ripple effects beyond Fisher's comeback. The studio's ability to balance multiple high-profile projects while rebuilding a beloved franchise from scratch was already a tall order before workforce reductions entered the picture.

The remake's extended silence has left many fans questioning its status. Beyond the initial reveal trailer and scattered job listings, Ubisoft has offered little concrete information about the project's scope, release window, or current development stage. The lack of updates stands in stark contrast to how Ubisoft typically handles major releases, where gameplay showcases and developer diaries usually arrive within a year or two of announcement.

This radio silence has fueled speculation about development troubles. Some fans worry the project has been rebooted or significantly scaled back, while others point to the challenging task of modernizing Splinter Cell's deliberate, patient gameplay for an audience accustomed to faster-paced action. The original game's methodical approach, where rushing often meant instant failure, feels almost alien compared to today's stealth games that typically offer multiple play styles and forgive aggressive approaches.

There's also the question of what "modern" means for Splinter Cell. Will the remake embrace open-ended level design like Hitman, or stick closer to the original's linear but intricately crafted missions? How will it handle the series' signature light-and-shadow stealth mechanics when modern engines render lighting so differently? These design challenges likely require extensive prototyping and iteration, which could explain the prolonged development cycle.

The Waiting Game

With no gameplay footage or substantial updates since 2021, the remake remains one of Ubisoft's most mysterious projects in active development. The situation mirrors other long-gestating remakes, like the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic project, where years pass between announcement and any meaningful progress reports.

For longtime fans, the wait has been particularly frustrating. Splinter Cell's absence from gaming has lasted over a decade, with only cameos and crossover appearances keeping Sam Fisher in the public eye. The character has shown up in Ghost Recon games and Rainbow Six Siege, but these guest spots only highlight what's missing: a proper stealth experience built around Fisher's unique skill set.

The remake represents more than nostalgia. It's a test of whether classic stealth design can find an audience in 2025 and beyond. Games like Hitman have proven there's still an appetite for methodical, replayable stealth, but they've also evolved the formula significantly. Splinter Cell's challenge is honoring what made the original special while justifying its existence in a crowded market that includes everything from Hitman the Dishonored to Metal Gear Solid remakes.