A recent report from Bloomberg reveals that Ubisoft San Francisco was in the development stages of a new “Splinter Cell” title as early as 2017, a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2013 game “Splinter Cell: Blacklist.” However, the project was ultimately scrapped due to a shift in focus from the studio’s leadership. Reports suggest they lost interest in the title as their attention turned toward creating live-service games capable of generating ongoing revenue.
The development work invested in the “Splinter Cell” project did not go entirely to waste, as some elements were reworked into last year’s free-to-play multiplayer game “XDefiant.” Unfortunately, “XDefiant” faced significant challenges and was ultimately shut down just over a year after its launch due to disappointing player engagement.
Amidst these developments, Ubisoft Toronto is currently working on a remake of the original “Splinter Cell,” which has reignited interest in the franchise. However, the overall future of Ubisoft has become a subject of uncertainty, particularly following the company’s recent announcement regarding the delay of its first-half Fiscal Year 2025-26 financial results. This has led to a temporary suspension of trading on its shares and bonds, which took effect when the markets opened on Friday. The trading halt is expected to remain until Ubisoft releases the delayed financial figures in the coming days.
Given the potential revival of beloved franchises like “Splinter Cell” alongside the ongoing evolution of the gaming industry, there remains hope that Ubisoft can navigate through its current challenges and re-establish itself in the marketplace, potentially delivering new and exciting experiences to gamers.