Splinter Cell Remake Still in Development Amid Ubisoft Layoffs

Ubisoft Toronto, the studio behind the highly anticipated Splinter Cell remake, has undergone a round of layoffs impacting approximately 40 developers. The cuts come amid a broader restructuring effort at the French video game giant, even as the company insists the remake remains in active development. The news, first reported by MobileSyrup on February 19, 2026, underscores the challenges facing the gaming industry as a whole, with several companies enacting cost-cutting measures and reassessing project pipelines.

The layoffs at Ubisoft Toronto are part of a larger strategic shift announced in January, where Ubisoft outlined plans to reorganize into five “Creative Houses,” each focused on specific franchises. This restructuring aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency, but has unfortunately resulted in job losses. Ubisoft stated that the decision to reduce staff was “not taken lightly” and does not reflect negatively on the affected employees’ contributions. The company pledged to provide comprehensive severance packages and career placement assistance to those impacted.

Splinter Cell Remake: Development Continues Despite Turbulence

Despite the recent upheaval, Ubisoft has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the Splinter Cell remake. The original Splinter Cell, released in 2002, revolutionized the stealth action genre with its emphasis on tactical gameplay, realistic lighting, and a compelling narrative centered around Sam Fisher, a highly skilled secret agent. The remake, announced in December 2021, aims to modernize the classic experience for a new generation of gamers while staying true to the core elements that made the original so beloved. Fan expectations are high, and the development team faces the challenge of balancing nostalgia with innovation.

The Splinter Cell remake is being developed using Ubisoft’s Snowdrop engine, the same technology powering titles like Tom Clancy’s The Division and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. This engine allows for detailed environments, advanced lighting effects, and realistic character animations, all crucial for delivering a modern stealth experience. The project has been in development for several years, and Ubisoft has been relatively quiet about its progress, leading to some concerns among fans. However, the company’s continued assurances suggest that the remake is still a priority.

Industry-Wide Layoffs and Restructuring

Ubisoft’s recent actions are not isolated. The video game industry has been grappling with a period of significant change, marked by slowing growth after the pandemic-fueled boom, rising development costs, and increased competition. Several major companies, including Electronic Arts, Microsoft, and Sony, have announced layoffs in recent months. These cuts often target projects that are deemed less likely to generate substantial revenue or align with the company’s long-term strategy.

Adding to the turmoil at Ubisoft, employees staged a walkout in January 2026, protesting the company’s restructuring plans and calling for the resignation of CEO Yves Guillemot. The strike, organized by labor unions, highlighted concerns about job security, working conditions, and the company’s overall direction. Union representatives argued that Guillemot had lost the trust of employees and was not adequately addressing their concerns. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term impact on Ubisoft’s operations is yet to be seen.

The Impact on Ubisoft Toronto

Ubisoft Toronto has develop into a key development hub for the company, contributing to major franchises like Watch Dogs, Far Cry, and now, Splinter Cell. The studio was established in 2010 and has grown to become one of Ubisoft’s largest and most important development centers. The recent layoffs represent a significant blow to the studio’s workforce and could potentially impact its ability to deliver future projects.

The company’s statement to MobileSyrup emphasized its commitment to supporting the affected employees. “Our priority now is to support them through this transition with comprehensive severance packages and robust career placement assistance,” Ubisoft said. However, the layoffs are likely to create uncertainty and anxiety among the remaining staff, as they navigate the ongoing restructuring and adapt to the new organizational structure. The gaming industry is known for its demanding work environment, and job security is often a concern for developers.

Creative Houses and Ubisoft’s Future

Ubisoft’s decision to restructure into five Creative Houses – focused on franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, Far Cry, and Just Dance – is a bold move aimed at fostering greater creative autonomy and streamlining development processes. The company believes that this new structure will allow each team to focus on its core strengths and deliver more innovative and engaging experiences. However, the transition has been fraught with challenges, including layoffs, project cancellations, and employee unrest.

The five Creative Houses are: the Assassin’s Creed House, the Rainbow Six House, the Far Cry House, the Just Dance House, and a fifth house dedicated to new IPs. Each house will be responsible for its own budget, roadmap, and development pipeline. Ubisoft hopes that this decentralized approach will empower its teams to seize more risks and experiment with new ideas. The success of this strategy will depend on the company’s ability to effectively manage the transition and maintain a cohesive vision across its various franchises.

The restructuring too comes as Ubisoft faces increasing competition from other major players in the gaming industry, including Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Tencent. The rise of cloud gaming and subscription services is also disrupting the traditional business model, forcing companies to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve. Ubisoft’s long-term success will depend on its ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The Splinter Cell remake remains a key part of Ubisoft’s future plans, and the company has reiterated its commitment to delivering a high-quality experience for fans. While the recent layoffs are undoubtedly concerning, they do not necessarily signal the end of the project. Ubisoft has a long history of developing successful franchises, and the company has the resources and expertise to bring Splinter Cell back to its former glory. The game is expected to be a significant release for the company, and its success could aid to restore confidence in Ubisoft’s ability to innovate and deliver compelling gaming experiences.

The next major update regarding the Splinter Cell remake is anticipated during Ubisoft’s next financial earnings call, scheduled for May 2026. Investors and fans alike will be closely watching for any further details on the game’s development progress and release timeline.

What are your thoughts on the layoffs at Ubisoft Toronto and the future of the Splinter Cell remake? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your fellow gaming enthusiasts.