Once a promising project, Ubisoft’s new Splinter Cell game has taken an unexpected turn, transforming into the shooter XDefiant. This change highlights the evolving nature of game development and how initial plans can shift dramatically.
The Journey from Splinter Cell to XDefiant
Reports suggest that the journey began at Ubisoft with the talented team from AdHoc Studio, initially setting their sights on reviving the beloved Splinter Cell series. Key figures at AdHoc, including Nick Herma, Dennis Lenart, and Pierre Shorette, transitioned from Telltale Games to Ubisoft in 2017, bringing with them a wealth of experience from titles like Tales from the Borderlands.
Nick Herman expressed his enthusiasm for revitalizing Splinter Cell, saying, “I was so excited to be a part of this and help revitalize it, because it’s been dormant for a while.” However, the project eventually aligned with Ubisoft’s new strategic focus on games as a service, leading to its transformation into xDefiant. This free-to-play first-person shooter, launched last year, received mixed reviews and was discontinued this past June, affecting two studios in the process.
AdHoc Studio’s New Chapter
The developers eventually regrouped with Michael Choung, another former Telltale colleague, to establish AdHoc Studio in 2018. While creating a version of Dispatch, they also contributed to The Wolf Among Us 2 but later exited due to creative differences. Despite the challenges, they successfully completed Dispatch with the aid of a publisher and renowned actors, thanks to casting director Linda Lamontagne. A timely collaboration with Critical Role on another game enabled them to bring Dispatch to fruition.
For Splinter Cell enthusiasts, the wait continues. The last new installment, Blacklist, dates back to 2013. Though rumors of a remake of the original 2002 game exist, Ubisoft’s silence on the project since 2022 casts doubt on its potential release.
The Success of Dispatch
Meanwhile, Dispatch has made a strong impression. We are currently reviewing each episode as they release, and our initial impressions are highly favorable. Our reviewer is “totally enthralled in this world,” eager to explore the complexities of Robert’s personal life.
Ubisoft’s reimagining of Splinter Cell as xDefiant underscores the unpredictable nature of game development.