Splinter Cell Reboot: Original Director Returns After 3-years

The Splinter Cell Remake has re-hired its original director, David Grivel, after he left Ubisoft three years ago — a hopeful sign that the stealth reboot is still alive.

Good news for Stealth fans: Splinter Cell Remake’s original director returns

The long-awaited remake of the original Splinter Cell has just got a big boost - its original director, David Grivel, is back. He left Ubisoft in 2022 but has now returned to lead the project at Ubisoft Toronto. Considering how quiet things have been for years, this feels like a sign that the remake is still very much alive, and that Ubisoft may actually push it forward for real this time.

David Grivel, original director of the Splinter Cell Remake, has rejoined Ubisoft to take over again
The project - a ground-up rebuild using Ubisoft's Snowdrop engine - was announced in late 2021
Grivel had left in October 2022 for a stint at EA, but has returned amid reports the remake remains active

Who is David Grivel — and why does his return matter?

David Grivel is no rookie. He originally helmed the Splinter Cell remake between November 2021 (when the reboot was officially announced) and October 2022 — before leaving Ubisoft for new pastures.

He previously worked on Ghost Recon Future Soldier, and on major titles like Splinter Cell Blacklist, Assassin’s Creed Unity, and several Far Cry games.
His return suggests renewed commitment: a director sets tone, momentum and often helps steer big creative decisions.
For fans, Grivel coming back reduces uncertainty — a stable leadership increases the odds the project won’t stall again.

So this isn’t just another shuffle — it could be the shot in the arm the remake needs to reach completion.

What we know (and don’t) about the remake so far

When Ubisoft first announced the remake in December 2021, they confirmed it was a full rebuild — not just a remaster — using the Snowdrop engine.

The remake is meant to retain the original’s stealth-heavy, darkness-and-gadget gameplay.
Ubisoft had listed open calls for a scriptwriter, hinting at a “modernised” version of the 2002 game’s story.
Since the 2022 concept-art push, though — and over three years after the announcement — public updates have been near nonexistent.

In short: we know what the remake aims for, but we’ve seen little evidence of active progress — until now.

Why this could matter for 2026 (or beyond)

Game industry watchers had been wondering if the remake was stuck in limbo. With Grivel back in charge:

It’s more likely that Ubisoft will revive momentum, especially ahead of other big remakes.
A stable director could mean clearer creative direction and maybe even a timeline for release (though Ubisoft hasn’t confirmed dates).
For fans of stealth games — and nostalgia seekers — this could be the first step toward finally getting a modern-looking version of the original Splinter Cell that feels familiar and fresh.

What we still don’t know — and what to watch for

Even with a director back on board:

Ubisoft hasn’t shared any gameplay previews or a new release window.
It’s unclear if all the ideas from 2021 (like the rewritten narrative) remain intact.
The studio has other big projects on its plate — the remake could still get delayed or deprioritised if internal focus shifts elsewhere.

So while things look more hopeful, this isn’t a guarantee yet.

Is the Splinter Cell Remake confirmed?

Yes. The remake was officially announced in December 2021 and is being developed by Ubisoft Toronto using the Snowdrop engine.

Has Ubisoft given a release date for the remake?

Not yet. So far, Ubisoft hasn't shared any target release year or even a preview of gameplay

Will the remake use the original game's story?

Ubisoft had posted job listings for a scriptwriter to "update" the story for modern audiences, suggesting changes - but there's no confirmation that the final script is done.