The Splinter Cell Remake at Ubisoft Toronto has entered a new phase with the return of experienced developer David Grivel, who has reassumed a leading role on the project. Ubisoft first announced the remake in 2021 with plans to rebuild the original game using the Snowdrop engine, but official information since then has been limited. The announcement of Grivel’s renewed involvement brings fresh attention to a title that has remained largely out of the public eye for several years.
Grivel originally directed the early stages of the remake before leaving Ubisoft in 2022. His departure at the time prompted questions about the project’s progress, especially as updates grew infrequent. In the years that followed, his career path reflected the broader uncertainties within the AAA development landscape, marked by restructuring, studio closures, and shifting priorities across major publishers.
In 2022, Grivel joined Ridgeline Games as senior design director for the single-player campaign of the next Battlefield entry. That chapter concluded earlier than expected when Electronic Arts wound down Ridgeline as a standalone team in early 2024. He returned briefly to Ubisoft Toronto in May 2024 to contribute to a new concept unrelated to the Splinter Cell franchise. Later that year, he moved to Worlds Untold, a studio founded by former BioWare talent, but the company closed before the end of 2024.
Earlier this week, Grivel announced through LinkedIn that he is rejoining Ubisoft Toronto once again—this time as Game Director on the Splinter Cell Remake. He described the opportunity as important to him, noting his past involvement with the project and long-standing connection to the team.
Industry publication Insider Gaming reports that the title, reportedly codenamed “North,” is tentatively targeting a 2026 release window. The outlet also noted that a cinematic featuring Sam Fisher and Irving Lambert was shown to them earlier in the year, though Ubisoft has not confirmed any such material.
The publisher’s broader situation adds context to the project’s long development cycle. Two months ago, Ubisoft introduced a Tencent-backed creative company, signaling internal adjustments designed to support future production efforts. The industry at large continues to experience frequent changes, and the steady movement of talent across studios has become a defining feature of recent years.
With Grivel back in a leadership role, the Splinter Cell Remake appears to be gaining renewed focus. While Ubisoft has not provided additional details about development progress or public showcases, the project remains one of the publisher’s most closely watched titles. Fans of the series now look toward future updates as the remake moves closer to its reported production targets.
