David Grivel Returns to Lead Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell Remake After Three Years

Image via Ubisoft

The long-awaited Splinter Cell reboot has taken a significant step ahead, with Ubisoft formally bringing back a familiar creative director to lead the project. David Grivel, who previously served as game director for the remake from late 2021 to 2022, has returned to Ubisoft Toronto to resume his former position.

Grivel confirmed the news in a LinkedIn post, expressing his excitement to return to the studio and the project.

“Today, I am very, VERY happy to announce that I’m rejoining Ubisoft Toronto as Game Director on the Splinter Cell Remake,” he wrote. “A very special team and project to me.”

The experienced developer first departed Ubisoft nearly three years ago to "go on a new adventure," but his return is likely to restore momentum and veteran insight to one of the company's most legendary stealth franchises.

A Veteran of Major Ubisoft Franchises

David Grivel brings a strong track record across Ubisoft productions. Before leading the Splinter Cell remake, he contributed to:

• Ghost Recon Future Soldier (Ubisoft Paris)

• Splinter Cell Blacklist

• Assassin’s Creed Unity

• Far Cry 4, 5, and 6

  
  

His expertise in tactical gameplay, open-world systems, and dramatic action has elevated him to a prominent spot within Ubisoft's major franchise ecosystem.

What We Know About the Splinter Cell Remake So Far

Ubisoft originally confirmed the Splinter Cell remake in December 2021, noting that it would be rebuilt from the ground up with the Snowdrop engine, which also powers The Division, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and the next Star Wars game. The company plans to revamp the 2002 classic with:

• New-generation visual fidelity

• Updated gameplay and controls

• Advanced lighting and shadow systems true to the franchise’s identity

Ubisoft celebrated the franchise's 20th anniversary in November 2022 by releasing early concept art for the remake. Since then, there have been few updates, but job postings indicate that the team is fine-tuning the original story to be relevant to a modern audience.

A Legacy Preserved While the Future Takes Shape

While fans wait for the remake's next announcement, the original Splinter Cell from 2002 has recently joined the GOG Preservation Program, which aims to keep older PC titles accessible long after official support expires. The move strengthens the franchise's legacy as Ubisoft prepares to relaunch it to a new generation.

With David Grivel back in charge, hopes for a Splinter Cell reboot have risen. Although Ubisoft has yet to announce a new release date or show off gameplay, veteran fans now have a renewed cause to keep an eye on one of gaming's most beloved stealth franchises.