In a twist of fate, Ubisoft’s plans for a new Splinter Cell game took an unexpected turn, eventually morphing into the shooter known as XDefiant. A recent report sheds light on how this shift occurred, detailing the evolution of the project over time.
The Journey from Splinter Cell to XDefiant
According to sources, this unexpected transformation is part of the larger narrative chronicling AdHoc Studio’s evolution from Telltale Games to Ubisoft before branching out independently. The founding members of AdHoc, who initially joined forces at Telltale Games working on projects like Tales from the Borderlands, moved to Ubisoft in 2017 to work on a new installment in the Splinter Cell series. “I was so excited to be a part of this and help revitalize it, because it’s been dormant for a while,” shared Herman in the report. “And we thought we could tell a great story and do something the fans would love.” Unfortunately, as Ubisoft’s focus shifted towards games as a service, the project gradually transformed into XDefiant, a free-to-play first-person shooter that launched to mixed reviews and was subsequently discontinued last June.
AdHoc Studio’s Creative Pursuits
After their stint at Ubisoft, the trio reunited with Michael Choung, another former Telltale colleague, and founded AdHoc Studio in 2018. While developing what would eventually become Dispatch, they also undertook a scriptwriting role for The Wolf Among Us 2 but departed after creative differences arose. Despite these challenges, AdHoc successfully completed Dispatch with support from a publisher and a talented cast, thanks to casting director Linda Lamontagne. A strategic partnership with Critical Role also played a crucial role in bringing the project to fruition.
The Uncertain Future of Splinter Cell
Splinter Cell fans are still awaiting a new installment, with the last release being Blacklist in 2013. While reports suggest a remake of the original 2002 game might be underway, the lack of updates from Ubisoft since 2022 leaves its future uncertain. Meanwhile, Dispatch is receiving positive attention, with ongoing reviews praising its engaging world and compelling narrative.