‘Splinter Cell’ remake is in development with stealth and linear gameplay, developers deny it’s set in open world

Ubisoft confirmed that it is developing a remake of the original “Splinter Cell.” Unlike what was mentioned in a previous leak, though, the developers said it will still heavily feature stealth and linear gameplay and will not use an open world setting.

The franchise’s latest installment, “Splinter Cell: Blacklist,” was released more than eight years ago and Ubisoft stayed mum on the brand’s future. That changed this week when the publisher confirmed that a remake had entered development and that the project is being led by its Ubisoft Toronto studio.

The announcement is not a total surprise, though. Fans recently learned that Ubisoft had updated its trademark claim on “Splinter Cell” shortly after leaker Tom Henderson reported that a new game is in the works. The leaker described the upcoming game to be “more stealthy” than “Assassin’s Creed” and that it would feature an open world similar to 343 Industries’ approach to “Halo Infinite.”

However, Ubisoft Toronto emphasized in a published Q&A that the “Splinter Cell” remake will stay true to its popular gameplay. “We are going to keep it linear like the original games, not make it open world,” producer Matt West said. But the part where the new game will still heavily feature stealth game mechanics appeared to be accurate.

West recalled that the original game launched under the tagline of “Stealth Action Redefined,” and Ubisoft Toronto plans on steering in the same direction for the remake. “It’s important for us to preserve the sense of mastery by supporting players who observe the situations, make their plan, use their gadgets, and outsmart the enemy creatively to deal with the challenges they are presented with,” creative director Chris Auty said.

The developers also revealed that one of the phrases they live by in developing the “Splinter Cell” remake is “respect the goggles.” While it may have a figurative meaning to the developers, an official teaser image also seems to suggest that the staple trifocal goggles Sam Fisher has used in previous games could still be a primary in-game tool in the upcoming title.

Unfortunately, Ubisoft Toronto did not provide a hint at the release window of the “Splinter Cell” remake. But the developers noted that its development is still in the “very earliest stages.” The studio is also still hiring for new developers to join the team, both suggesting that the game is unlikely to launch soon.