View source for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell

{{short description|Stealth video game series}}
{{Redirect|Splinter cell|the sleeper cell system|Clandestine cell system}}
{{About|the Splinter Cell video game series|the first video game in the series|Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (video game){{!}}''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' (video game)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
| image = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.png
| genre = {{ubl|[[Action-adventure]]|[[Stealth game|Stealth]]}}
| developer = {{ubl|[[Ubisoft Montreal]]|[[Ubisoft Milan]]|[[Ubisoft Shanghai]]|[[Ubisoft Toronto]]|[[Gameloft]]|[[Red Storm Entertainment]]}}
| publisher = {{ubl|[[Ubisoft]]|[[Microsoft Game Studios]]|[[Gameloft]]|[[Aspyr Media]]}}
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]|[[Windows]]|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[GameCube]]|[[Game Boy Advance]]|[[Mobile phone]]|[[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]]|[[OS X]]|[[Nintendo DS]]|[[PlayStation Portable]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Wii]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[iOS]]|[[Nintendo 3DS]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[Windows Phone]]|[[Wii U]]}}
| first release version = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (video game)|Splinter Cell]]''
| first release date = November 18, 2002
| latest release version = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist|Splinter Cell: Blacklist]]''
| latest release date = August 20, 2013
}}
'''''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell''''' is a series of [[action-adventure]] [[stealth game]]s, the first of which was released in 2002, and their tie-in novels that were endorsed by [[Tom Clancy]]. The series follows [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]], a highly trained agent of a fictional [[Black operation|black-ops]] sub-division within the [[National Security Agency|NSA]], dubbed "Third Echelon", as he overcomes his adversaries. Levels are created using [[Unreal Engine]] and emphasize light and darkness as gameplay elements. The series has been positively received, and was once considered to be one of [[Ubisoft]]'s flagship franchises.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/the-making-of-splinter-cell-blacklist/ |title = The making of Splinter Cell: Blacklist|date = February 8, 2013}}</ref> The series had sold 19 million units by 2008 and 32 million by 2016.<ref name="Contributor">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Matt |date=2008-05-28 |title=Tom Clancy series tops 55 million units sold |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tom-clancy-series-tops-55-million-units-sold |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Press Releases |url=http://static9.cdn.ubisoft.com:80/ubigroupstatic/en-US/global/img/company/Ubisoft_Facts_Figures_September_2016_EN_268335.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020121905/http://static9.cdn.ubisoft.com:80/ubigroupstatic/en-US/global/img/company/Ubisoft_Facts_Figures_September_2016_EN_268335.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-10-20 |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=Ubisoft.com |language=en-US}}</ref> No further installments have been released since 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/overview.aspx|title=Ubisoft - Company / Overview|website=www.ubisoft.com}}</ref> A remake of the first game was announced in December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-15 |title=A Splinter Cell remake has officially been announced |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/a-splinter-cell-remake-has-officially-been-announced/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=VGC |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Games==

{{Timeline of release years
| range1= 2002 - 2026
| range1_color = #C7E323 #8A9E18
| title = Release timeline
| 2002 = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (video game)|Splinter Cell]]''
| 2004 = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow|Pandora Tomorrow]]''
| 2005 = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory|Chaos Theory]]''
| 2006a = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Essentials|Essentials]]''
| 2006b = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent|Double Agent]]''
| 2010 = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction|Conviction]]''
| 2011 = ''[[#Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Classic Trilogy HD (2011)|Classic Trilogy HD]]''
| 2013 = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist|Blacklist]]''
| 
|2026=''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Remake|Splinter Cell]]'' (remake)|upcoming=''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Remake|Splinter Cell]]''}}

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' (2002)===
{{Main|Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (video game)}}
''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' was developed over a period of two years and developed by [[Ubisoft Montreal]] with original publishing by [[Microsoft Game Studios]]<ref name="Microsoft Splinter Cell">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-exclusive-to-xbox-only-in-2002/1100-2898340/|title=Splinter Cell exclusive to Xbox only in 2002|date=November 21, 2002|access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_46033|title=Splinter Cell an Xbox exclusive for 2002|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=May 24, 2002|access-date=July 26, 2021}}</ref> for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] as an exclusive title. Later in 2003, [[Ubisoft]] ported the game to [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Mac OS|Mac]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[GameCube]], and [[Game Boy Advance]]. Inspired by the ''[[Metal Gear]]'' series,<ref name="venturebeat">{{cite news |title=EGM's Final Milestone: The Legendary 200th Issue (Part 2) |url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/09/20/egms-final-milestone-the-legendary-200th-issue-part-2/ |work=[[VentureBeat]] |date=September 21, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Interview with Clint Hocking |url=https://gamecritics.com/thom-moyles/3651/ |website=GameCritics |access-date=November 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dyer |first=Mitch |title=House of Dreams: The Ubisoft Montreal Story |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/03/house-of-dreams-the-ubisoft-montreal-story |website=[[IGN]] |date=February 3, 2014}}</ref> it uses an [[Unreal Engine 2]] that was modified to allow light-and-dark based gameplay.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow'' (2004)===
{{Main|Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow}}
''Pandora Tomorrow'' was developed by Ubisoft Shanghai and [[Ubisoft Milan]] and introduced multiplayer gameplay to the series. In [[single-player video game|single-player mode]], the [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|game AI]] adapts to adjust to the player's skill level.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thorsen |first=Tor |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6086055.html |title=Pandora Tomorrow to adopt adaptive AI&nbsp;– News at GameSpot |publisher=Gamespot.com |date=January 5, 2004 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref><ref>S. Kazmi and I. J. Palmer, "Action Recognition for Support of Adaptive Gameplay: A Case Study of a First Person Shooter," International Journal of Computer Games Technology, vol. 2010, Article ID 536480, 14 pages, 2010. {{doi|10.1155/2010/536480|doi-access=free}}, online at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijcgt/2010/536480.html</ref> Unlike other games in the series, which generally lean towards information-based threats, the plot of ''Pandora Tomorrow'' focuses on biological warfare, in which an Indonesian terrorist group threatens to infect people with the [[smallpox]] virus. Fisher is also given new abilities like SWAT turns and whistling to attract enemies' attention. It also introduced a revolutionary new online mode called spies versus mercenaries, in which one team would play from a 3rd person perspective on the spy team, and the more guns-blazing first-person perspective of the mercenaries.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' (2005)===
{{Main|Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory}}
Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft Milan were again responsible for the third game in the series, ''Chaos Theory''. It adds a cooperative multiplayer mode.<ref>{{cite web|last=Surette |first=Tim |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6120913.html |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory golden&nbsp;– News at GameSpot |publisher=Gamespot.com |date=March 22, 2005 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref> Originally announced to be released in Fall 2004, its initial releases were made at the end of March 2005. The Unreal Engine was heavily modified, this time from version 2.5. The game includes a number of new features, including adding a combat knife to the player's inventory. Maps are also more open with multiple ways of achieving the end goal.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Essentials'' (2006)===
{{Main|Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Essentials}}
''Essentials'' extends the ''Splinter Cell'' series to the [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]] platform. Through a series of flashback missions, the player learns more about Fisher's backstory. The game was less positively received critically than previous installments, with criticism aimed at the control mechanics and the multiplayer mode.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent'' (2006)===
{{Main|Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent}}
For the series' fourth installment, ''Double Agent'', two separate versions were created, one for [[Sixth generation of video game consoles|generation six consoles]] and the Wii, and the other for [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows]], and [[PlayStation 3]]. ''Double Agent'' features a "trust system"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/splintercell4/review.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent Review for Xbox 360 |publisher=GameSpot |date=October 17, 2006 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref> that presents the player with moral dilemmas. It is the first game in the series with a hub-like area, where Sam can explore and do objectives between missions. This is also the only game in the series to have different endings based on player decisions, but only one ending is considered [[Canon (fiction)|canon]].

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction'' (2010)===
{{Main|Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction}}
''Conviction'' was officially announced on May 23, 2007, when Ubisoft released a trailer for the game. The game was due for release on November 16, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ubisoft-dates-its-winter-titles/|title=Ubisoft dates its winter titles|last=Mitchell|first=Richard| date=June 19, 2007|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=December 20, 2009}}</ref> However, the game missed its initial launch date, and on May 19, 2008, it was reported that ''Conviction'' was "officially on hold" and that the game had been taken "back to the drawing board".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=189247| work=CVG| title=Splinter Cell Conviction "back to the drawing board"|date=May 19, 2008|access-date=April 6, 2009}}</ref> Ubisoft announced that the game had been pushed back to the 2009–10 fiscal year. At [[E3 2009]], the developers confirmed that the "new" ''Conviction'' had been in development since early 2008, commenting that "the gameplay has evolved a lot" and "the visual direction is simply much better".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/rumor-splinter-cell-conviction-escapes-original-gameplay-visu/| work=Joystiq| title=Splinter Cell: Conviction escapes original gameplay, visual design|date=September 22, 2008|access-date=April 6, 2009}}</ref> The game's release date was pushed back several times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sc-conviction-delayed-for-polish|title=Splinter Cell delayed|publisher=Eurogamer| date=January 14, 2010|access-date=January 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6249491.html|title=Splinter Cell: Conviction infiltrates April 13|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=February 4, 2010|access-date=February 5, 2010}}</ref> On March 18, 2010, the demo was released for [[Xbox 360]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Fajardo |first=Mark |url=http://www.justpushstart.com/2010/03/18/splinter-cell-conviction-demo-now-available/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416082037/http://www.justpushstart.com/2010/03/18/splinter-cell-conviction-demo-now-available/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=April 16, 2011 |title=Splinter Cell: Conviction Demo Now Available |publisher=Just Push Start |date=March 18, 2010 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref> Ubisoft wanted to make the fifth game more accessible,<ref name="Edgeinterview">{{cite web |author=Tom Ivan |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/ubisoft-felt-splinter-cell-was-too-hardcore |title=Ubisoft Felt Splinter Cell Was Too Hardcore'&nbsp;– Edge Magazine |publisher=Next-gen.biz |date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=August 26, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815200434/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/ubisoft-felt-splinter-cell-was-too-hardcore |archive-date=August 15, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> so ''Conviction'' was designed around the new core elements "Mark and Execute" and "Last Known Position", while stealth elements present in the previous games were omitted, such as the ability to whistle, lock pick, and hide bodies. ''Conviction'' uses a cover system and adds simple interrogation sequences to the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/tomclancyssplintercellconviction/review.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction Review for Xbox 360 |publisher=GameSpot |date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref>

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Classic Trilogy HD'' (2011)===
In September 2011, a remastered compilation package was released for the PlayStation 3 that included the first three games in the series. The remastered versions are based on the PC ports of the originals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Donlan |first1=Christian |title=Reviews - Splinter Cell Trilogy HD |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/splinter-cell-trilogy-hd-review |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=20 July 2024 |date=23 August 2011}}</ref> The compilation received "mixed or average" reviews on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="TrilogyMC"/>

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' (2013)===
{{Main|Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist}}
''Blacklist'' is the sixth installment in the series, developed by [[Ubisoft Toronto]] and was released on August 20, 2013. ''Blacklist'' boasts new features combining gameplay from ''Chaos Theory'' and ''Conviction''. Series veteran [[Michael Ironside]] was replaced in his role as [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] by actor [[Eric Johnson (actor)|Eric Johnson]]. In the game, Fisher has been appointed as the commander of the new "Fourth Echelon", a clandestine unit that answers solely to the President of the United States. She has denied any existence of the agency and Fourth Echelon is working to stop a new terror plot, known as the 'Blacklist'. Fourth Echelon also has the secondary objective of stopping all operations in which Third Echelon is still running. Features returning include a moving "Mark and Execute", Fisher's signature goggles and a new knife, the [[Karambit]], and the ability to perform "abduction" stealth melee takedowns.

===Future===
At [[E3 2017]] regarding ''Splinter Cell'', Ubisoft CEO [[Yves Guillemot]] stated: "I can't say much about that. But, for sure, all the Clancy games are taken care of. It's just we have quite a lot on our plate at the moment...All the Clancy games are really coming along, so we are not forgetting ''Splinter Cell''."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/13/e3-2017-ubisoft-not-forgetting-splinter-cell-says-ceo|title=E3 2017: Ubisoft 'Not Forgetting Splinter Cell,' Says CEO|first=Alex|last=Osborn|work=IGN |date=June 12, 2017}}</ref> Later in an Ask Me Anything [[Reddit]] post, he stated: "We don't have anything specific to share at the moment but teams are working on different things, so stay tuned for more."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/6h1azu/i_am_yves_guillemot_ceo_and_cofounder_of_ubisoft/diuoya7|title=r/IAmA - I am Yves Guillemot, CEO and co-founder of Ubisoft, currently enjoying E3 2017. AMA!|website=reddit|date=June 13, 2017}}</ref>

In May 2019, Julian Gerighty, Ubisoft Creative Director, announced on his social media page that a game is currently in development. In his statement, he said he had been working on the game with Ubisoft Montreal creative director, Roman Campos-Oriola, and executive producer Dan Hay.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/splinter-cell/e3-2019 |title = Ubisoft creative director casually confirms a new Splinter Cell on Twitter| date=May 14, 2019 }}</ref> However, Ubisoft later disputed this.<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/05/14/update-ubisoft-says-creative-director-was-obviously-joking-when-he-announced-a-new | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518074049/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/05/14/update-ubisoft-says-creative-director-was-obviously-joking-when-he-announced-a-new | url-status=live | archive-date=May 18, 2019 |title = Update: Ubisoft Says Creative Director Was 'Obviously Joking' when He Announced a New Splinter Cell Game|magazine = [[Game Informer]]}}</ref>

On 16 September 2020, it was announced at Facebook Connect that a [[virtual reality]] version of the series is coming exclusively to the [[Oculus VR]] platform. It was set to be developed by [[Red Storm Entertainment]].<ref name="news.ubisoft.com">{{cite web |title=Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell coming to Oculus VR |url=https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/6GznsIJyxNpulUSMJNxLs2/assassins-creed-and-splinter-cell-coming-to-oculus-vr |website=ubisoft.com}}</ref> On July 21, 2022, the VR ''Splinter Cell'' game was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wales |first1=Matt |title=Splinter Cell VR and Ghost Recon Frontline cancelled |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/splinter-cell-vr-and-ghost-recon-frontline-cancelled |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=21 July 2022 |date=21 July 2022}}</ref>

In December 2021, Ubisoft revealed that they are developing a [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Remake|remake]] of the first game.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Splinter Cell Remake Begins Development at Ubisoft Toronto|url=https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/4adJLuhgYrPboHAPRfK7Oz/splinter-cell-remake-begins-development-at-ubisoft-toronto|access-date=2021-12-15|website=news.ubisoft.com|language=en-us}}</ref> In October 2022, David Grivel, the director of the game, left Ubisoft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-16 |title=Splinter Cell remake's director has left Ubisoft |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/splinter-cell-remakes-director-has-left-ubisoft/ |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=VGC |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Novels==
===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' (2004)===
''Splinter Cell''<ref>{{cite book
| last      = Michaels
| first      = David
| author-link      = David Michaels (author)
| title      = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
| date      = December 7, 2004
| publisher = Penguin
| isbn      = 978-0-425-20168-8
| url-access      = registration
| url      = https://archive.org/details/tomclancyssplint00clan_0
}}</ref> is the first installment of a series of novels based on the video game series. It was written by [[Raymond Benson]] under the pseudonym [[David Michaels (author)|David Michaels]]. The plot follows [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] as he investigates a terrorist group called "The Shadows" and a related arms-dealing organization named "The Shop". Members of "The Shop" use inside information to attempt to kill "Third Echelon" members, including Fisher. Shortly after its publication in December 2004, it spent 3 weeks on the ''New York Times'' list of bestsellers.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/09/books/bestseller/0109bestpaperfiction.html?oref=login | work=The New York Times | title=Paperback Fiction | date=January 9, 2005}}</ref> It also made it to the list of Wall Street Journal mass-market paperback bestsellers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/index.php?p=59&art_id=60&vars=Y29tX2lkPTI3MQ%3D%3D |title=Press releases |publisher=Ubisoftgroup.com |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref>

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Operation Barracuda'' (2005)===
In ''Operation Barracuda'', which was released on November 1, 2005, Raymond Benson (again as David Michaels) continues the story of the first ''Splinter Cell'' novel. The book was also featured on the ''New York Times'' bestseller list.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Checkmate'' (2006)===
For ''Checkmate'', [[Grant Blackwood]] took over as author behind the David Michaels pseudonym, Benson having declared that he was "finished with Splinter Cell".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.raymondbenson.com/news/ |title=Raymond Benson finished with ''Splinter Cell'' | work= RaymondBenson.com Latest News | date = February 6, 2006 | access-date=March 4, 2011 }}</ref> Unlike the first two books, ''Checkmate'' is not written from the [[Grammatical person|first person]] perspective of Fisher, nor does ''Checkmate'' continue the running subplots that were established in the previous book. This novel was released on November 7, 2006.

The book begins with a ship by the name of ''Trego'' sailing towards the American East Coast. [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] is called in from a training mission to disable the ship. After Fisher stops the ship from irradiating the American West Coast with nuclear waste, he is informed that a town by the name of Slipstone has been attacked with a radiological weapon and over 5,000 people are dead. These events lead Fisher to Ukraine, Iran, Dubai, and Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Fallout'' (2007)===
On November 6, 2007, ''Fallout'', was published, Blackwood's second ''Splinter Cell'' novel and the fourth in the series. Like the previous novel, it was written by Grant Blackwood, under the pseudonym David Michaels. The story follows [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] as he combats Islamic fundamentalists who have taken over the government of Kyrgyzstan.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction'' (2009)===
''Conviction''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780425231043,00.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction&nbsp;– Books by David Michaels&nbsp;– Penguin Group (USA) |publisher=Us.penguingroup.com |date=November 3, 2009 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref> is the tie-in novel to the game with the same name. It was published on November 3, 2009, and was written by Peter Telep under the name David Michaels. It was published by [[Berkley Books]], under Penguin Group. The book follows [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] after the killing of Lambert. Fisher is on the run and has "gone rogue," as he is believed to be a treasonous agent. He is chased by a team of rookie Splinter Cells led by Ben Hansen.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Endgame'' (2009)===
''Endgame'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780425231449,00.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Endgame&nbsp;– Books by David Michaels&nbsp;– Penguin Group (USA) |publisher=Us.penguingroup.com |date=December 1, 2009 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref> published on December 1, 2009, is the counterpart to the ''Conviction'' novel. The plot runs parallel to the ''Conviction'' novel, but from the point of view of Fisher's antagonists. The story is told from the perspective of Ben Hansen and the rest of the team pursuing Fisher.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist: Aftermath'' (2013)===
Published in October 2013, this tie-in novel takes place after the events of the video game ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist]]''. It involves Fisher and Fourth Echelon finding and rescuing a Russian billionaire who disobeyed orders from the Kremlin to release a computer virus against the United States. ''Aftermath'' is written by [[Peter Telep]] and the first in the series to be authored without the use of the David Michaels pseudonym.

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Firewall'' (2022)===
''Firewall'' was released on March 1 for Kindle and on March 15 for paperback. It was written by [[James Swallow]] and features Sam Fisher's daughter, Sarah, working alongside her father.<ref>{{cite web |title='Firewall: A Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Novel' Launches March 15 |url=https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/5lteHWbnqMKyzQRY6ekdXJ/firewall-a-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-novel-launches-march-15 |website=Ubisoft |access-date=February 14, 2022 |language=en-us |date=January 6, 2022}}</ref> The plot involves Fisher dealing with a cyberwarfare technology known as "Gordian Sword" which is capable of defeating any firewall and will be auctioned to the highest bidder regardless of their motives for using it. Fisher must stop the technology being used or sold before it falls into the hands of terrorists, criminals, or rogue states.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aconytebooks.com/shop/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-firewall-by-james-swallow/|title = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Firewall by James Swallow|date = March 4, 2020}}</ref> The book won the [[Scribe Award]] for Best Original Novel.<ref name=S23>{{cite web|url=https://iamtw.org/the-scribe-awards/previous-scribe-award-winners/#2023|title=The Seventeenth Annual Scribe Awards (2023)|access-date=July 28, 2025}}</ref>

===''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Dragonfire'' (2023)===
''Dragonfire'' was released on January 24 for Kindle and on the same day for paperback. It was written by [[James Swallow]] and it features Sam Fisher's daughter, Sarah, working alongside her father and Isaac Briggs. The plot involves Fisher working behind enemy lines in North Korea while his daughter searches for him all the while trying to expose the sinister scheme of the conspirators known as The Dragons.

==Common elements==
{{Missing information|fifth freedom|date=November 2018}}

===Plot and themes===
The first game explains that "Splinter Cell" refers to an elite [[Reconnaissance|recon]]-type unit of single covert operatives (such as [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]]) who are supported in the field by a high-tech remote team.

In the first three games (''Splinter Cell'', ''Pandora Tomorrow'', ''Chaos Theory''), terrorists are planning attacks, usually by use of [[information warfare]], which Fisher, an operative for Third Echelon, a secret branch of the NSA, must prevent. The missions range from gathering intelligence to capturing and/or eliminating terrorists.

In the fourth game, ''Double Agent'', Fisher assumes the identity of a wanted criminal in order to infiltrate a terrorist ring.

The fifth game, ''Conviction'', begins immediately after ''Double Agent''. Having abandoned Third Echelon, Fisher discovers that the death of his daughter Sarah had not been an accident (as had been purported at the beginning of ''Double Agent''), leading him to strike out on his own in search of those responsible, until his investigation uncovers a conspiracy within his old agency.

In the sixth and most recent game, ''Blacklist, ''Third Echelon has been disbanded by the President of the United States. A new outfit, Fourth Echelon, is formed by the President and placed under the command of Fisher with the mission of stopping the 'Blacklist' attacks and the Engineers, the organization behind them. ''Blacklist'' deals with the morality of war and how far Fisher and his team go in order to prevent these plots against America.

===Characters===
The characters of the games, as well as the organization Third Echelon, were created by [[J. T. Petty]]. The main recurring ones are:
*[[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] is the main protagonist of the series.
*Irving Lambert, director of Third Echelon, serves as the player's guide by leading Fisher through the games' missions, until he is killed by Sam in ''Double Agent''.
*Anna "Grim" Grímsdóttir is portrayed as an official Third Echelon hacker and analyst, who helps Fisher when technical obstacles need to be overcome. In ''Conviction'' she takes over the role of guide from the deceased Lambert; her character also becomes the source of dramatic tension in the story.  In ''Blacklist'', she is the technical operations officer and butts heads with Sam over morality, ethics, and Fourth Echelon's operating parameters.
*Sarah Fisher, Sam's daughter and sole family member. She was presumed to be killed in ''Double Agent'', but ''Conviction'' revealed her murder to be a deception.

===Gameplay===
The encouraged way to progress through the games is to remain hidden, select non-obvious routes, and utilize diversions to pass guards. The [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (video game)|first game in the series]] only features a single-player mode, ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow|Pandora Tomorrow]]'' introduces a two-on-two multiplayer mode. ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory|Chaos Theory]]'' further develops that mode and introduces a cooperative mode. Cooperative mode plays similarly to the single player mode, but adds situations that can only be overcome as a team. The cooperative storylines in ''Chaos Theory'' and the [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|sixth generation]] version of ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent|Double Agent]]'' parallel those of [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Fisher]]'s actions in the single-player modes, letting players act on information he obtained or provide support in the field.

''Double Agent'' introduces a morality factor: Fisher may now encounter conflicting objectives between his superiors and the terrorists. For example, the terrorists may assign a mission to assassinate someone, while the NSA simultaneously instructs the player to prevent the assassination. This creates a delicate balancing act between gaining the trust of the terrorists and fulfilling the mission assignments. In addition, Fisher must not do anything to reveal to the terrorists that he is a double agent (such as let himself be seen with an NSA gadget), otherwise he will lose instantly.

''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction|Conviction]]'' utilises a much faster and more violent form of stealth action gameplay than previous games in the series. It retains the cooperative multiplayer mode of the two preceding games.
The weapons that Sam Fisher uses are based more accurately on current real-world weapons which behave accordingly and all weapons can be upgraded by a points system. This points system is secondary to the main storyline and is achievement based. These points may be used to add silencers, sights, upgraded ammo, laser targeting and other upgrades, with up to three upgrades per weapon.
This game provides an interactive mission update sequence that is built into the levels themselves. Instead of getting an objective-bar popup, the objective may appear in bold white text on the side of a building or in front of a barricade. This adds to the immersion and keeps the HUD uncluttered. The stealth element of the game allows Fisher to hide in the shadows and become almost invisible. Guards may be assassinated by unsuppressed or silenced weapons, gadgets, or hand-to-hand combat. After successfully completing a hand-to-hand kill, the player is provided with an 'execution' bonus, which allows the player to mark two to four targets (depending on the weapon selected) such as enemies or objects, and trigger the execution animation. Fisher will then dispatch all targets within a few seconds in an extraordinary fashion.
Interactive interrogation cutscenes where Fisher beats up a target for information do not require the player to do anything other than press [Interrogate]. Though if the player happens to be near an interactive object like a television or table, Fisher may use that to alter the standard animation.

==Development and history==

===Origin===
Although the series features his name, Tom Clancy had little to no involvement in the development of any of the installments.
According to series producer [[Mathieu Ferland]], the original game was developed so that Ubisoft's Montreal studio could demonstrate its full potential.<ref name="sc_gamespot_qna">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/splintercell/news.html?sid=2882240&mode=previews|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Q&A|work=Gamespot |date=October 2, 2002|access-date=February 21, 2011}}</ref> After ''[[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six]]'' and ''[[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon]]'', "special ops was the natural next step" for Clancy-endorsed games.<ref name="sc_gamespot_qna"/>

===Graphics and technology===
The first game in the series modified the [[Unreal Engine]] to allow the light-and-dark-based gameplay style.<ref name="sc_gamespot_qna"/> The other games continued this, using updated versions of the engine.

By the release of the latest game&nbsp;– ''Blacklist''&nbsp;– the engine had been upgraded to the LEAD engine, a heavily modified version of the Unreal Engine 2.5. The game had active shadows on all consoles not simply as a graphical function&nbsp;– as in most games&nbsp;– but as a gameplay enhancer for the sake of the game's stealth features. This meant that more coding for the game was required and overall, required a powerful desktop computer in order to get the best clarity and performance.

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
| game1 = [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (video game)|Splinter Cell]]
| mc1 = (GBA) 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(GC) 89/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PC) 91/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PS2) 89/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(Xbox) 93/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref>
| game2 = [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow|Pandora Tomorrow]]
| mc2 = (GBA) 68/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-pandora-tomorrow/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(GC) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-pandora-tomorrow/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PC) 87/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-pandora-tomorrow/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PS2) 87/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-pandora-tomorrow/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(Xbox) 93/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-pandora-tomorrow/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref>
| game3 = [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory|Chaos Theory]]
| mc3 = (3DS) 53/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(GC) 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(NDS) 50/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PC) 92/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PS2) 87/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(Xbox) 94/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref>
| game4 = [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Essentials|Essentials]]
| mc4 = (PSP) 58/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-essentials/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Essentials'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref>
| game5 = [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent|Double Agent]]
| mc5 = (GC) 64/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-double-agent/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PC) 80/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-double-agent/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PS2) 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-double-agent/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(PS3) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-double-agent/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(Wii) 61/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-double-agent/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(Xbox) 89/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-double-agent/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(X360) 85/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-double-agent/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref>
| game6 = [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction|Conviction]]
| mc6 = (PC) 83/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-conviction/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref><br/>(X360) 85/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-conviction/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref>
| game7 = [[#Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Classic Trilogy HD (2011)|Classic Trilogy HD]]
| mc7 = (PS3) 67/100<ref name="TrilogyMC">{{cite web |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Classic Trilogy HD |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-classic-trilogy-hd/ |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Fandom]] |access-date=20 July 2024}}</ref>
| game8 = [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist|Blacklist]]
| mc8 = (PC) 82/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 21, 2013}}</ref><br/>(PS3) 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 21, 2013}}</ref><br/>(WIIU) 75/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 21, 2013}}</ref><br/>(X360) 82/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 21, 2013}}</ref>
}}

By the end of 2004, sales of the ''Splinter Cell'' series totaled 9.6 million units.<ref name=sales8>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921073325/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=33167 | url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=33167 | url-status=live | title=2004/05 Third-Quarter Sales: €186 Million Record Sales Projected for the Fourth Quarter: >€220 Million 2005/06: Increased Growth and Profitability | archive-date=September 21, 2017 | publisher=[[Ubisoft]] | date=January 20, 2005 }}</ref> By October 2005, the series' global sales had surpassed 12.5 million units.<ref name=sales9>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921075738/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=33099 | url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=33099 | url-status=live | title=Ubisoft Announces ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 4'' | archive-date=September 21, 2017 | publisher=[[Ubisoft]] | date=October 4, 2005 | location=Amsterdam, the Netherlands }}</ref> By May 2008, the series had sold 19 million units.<ref name="Contributor"/> As of 2016, over 32 million units have been sold.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Press Releases |url=http://static9.cdn.ubisoft.com:80/ubigroupstatic/en-US/global/img/company/Ubisoft_Facts_Figures_September_2016_EN_268335.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020121905/http://static9.cdn.ubisoft.com:80/ubigroupstatic/en-US/global/img/company/Ubisoft_Facts_Figures_September_2016_EN_268335.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-10-20 |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=Ubisoft.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Other media==
===Film adaptation===
Originally announced as a special feature on ''[[Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory]]'', a film adaptation for the series was confirmed to be in development, as early as 2005.

In 2011, Ubisoft announced that ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'', ''[[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon]]'', and ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' were all planned to receive film adaptations. The company officially stated, "We want to keep ownership, retain control over the film content, and we're open to work with studios on the development of our projects, and eventually collaborate on the pre-casting, pre-budget and script."<ref>{{cite news| url=https://variety.com/2011/film/markets-festivals/gallic-vidgamer-ubisoft-lines-up-3-features-1118037076/|work=Variety|first1=Elsa|last1=Keslassy|first2=John|last2=Hopewell|title=Gallic vidgamer Ubisoft lines up 3 features|date=May 15, 2011|access-date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> The following year, it was reported that [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] and [[Paramount Pictures]] were the front-runners bidding to make a ''Splinter Cell'' film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2012/06/ubisoft-vidgame-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-in-play-for-film-286777/|title=Ubisoft Vidgame 'Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell' In Play For Film|first1=Mike Jr. |last1=Fleming|date=June 15, 2012}}</ref> By November, it was announced that British actor [[Tom Hardy]] was cast as Sam Fisher,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/11/14/tom-hardy-to-star-in-splinter-cell-movie?abthid=50a40aba473b498207000035|title=Tom Hardy to Play Sam Fisher in Splinter Cell Movie|author=Scott Collura|date=November 14, 2012|publisher=IGN|access-date=November 15, 2012}}</ref> while Eric Warren Singer was hired as screenwriter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/splinter-cell-movie-eric-singer/|title=Exclusive: Screenwriter Eric Singer to Adapt SPLINTER CELL for Ubisoft|author=Adam Chitwood|publisher=Collider|access-date=November 14, 2012|date=November 14, 2012}}</ref> By 2013, Ubisoft announced that the film would be made by [[New Regency]], with Basil Iwanyk signed on as producer through his production company, [[Thunder Road Films]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/06/new-regency-ubisoft-set-producer-basil-iwanyk-to-steer-splinter-cell-517464/|title=New Regency, Ubisoft Set Producer Basil Iwanyk To Steer 'Splinter Cell'|first1=Mike Jr. |last1=Fleming|date=June 10, 2013}}</ref>

In March 2014, [[Doug Liman]] joined the production as director, with Jean-Julien Baronnet and [[David Bartis]] attached as producers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/doug-liman-final-talks-direct-689757|title=Doug Liman in Final Talks to Direct 'Splinter Cell' (Exclusive)|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 19, 2014}}</ref> Later that month, [[Sheldon Turner]] was brought into the production team, to write a new draft of the script.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Regency & Ubisoft Hire 'Everest' Scribe Sheldon Turner For 'Splinter Cell'|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/new-regency-ubisoft-hire-everest-scribe-sheldon-turner-for-splinter-cell-707142/|newspaper=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> Hardy told ''Collider'' in an interview that the studio was hoping to start filming that August.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tom Hardy and Director Steven Knight Talk LOCKE, BMW's Generosity, Low Loaders, SPLINTER CELL and More|url=https://collider.com/tom-hardy-locke-splinter-cell-interview/|newspaper=Collider}}</ref> By June that year, Liman stated that both he and Hardy were working on the film's script, which would focus on a young [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]], in his prime as opposed to the portrayal of a seasoned spy in the video games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2014/06/01/splinter-cell-movie-a-great-take-on-series|title=SPLINTER CELL MOVIE "A GREAT TAKE" ON SERIES|last=Tilly|first=Chris|work=IGN|date=June 1, 2014|access-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref> In October of the same year, Iwanyk stated that filming would start in early 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/basil-iwanyk-john-wick-sicario-splinter-cell-interview/|title=Producer Basil Iwanyk Talks JOHN WICK, Script Changes, Keanu Reeves, GODS OF EGYPT, SICARIO, CIVILIAN, SPLINTER CELL, and More|last=Weintraub|first=Steven|work=Collider|date=October 27, 2014|access-date=October 27, 2014}}</ref>

In April 2015, Liman stepped down as director, with reports stating that the studio were talking with [[Joseph Kahn (director)|Joseph Kahn]] as his replacement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tracking-board.com/tb-exclusive-doug-liman-out-joseph-kahn-targeted-to-direct-tom-hardy-in-splinter-cell/|title={TB EXCLUSIVE} DOUG LIMAN OUT, JOSEPH KAHN TARGETED TO DIRECT TOM HARDY IN "SPLINTER CELL"|publisher=The Tracking Board|last=Mills|first=Parker|date=April 22, 2015}}</ref> By July, Ubisoft hired [[Frank John Hughes]] to rewrite the film's script.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/ubisoft-splinter-cell-tom-hardy-doug-liman-film-frank-john-hughes-1201473514/|title=Ubisoft's 'Splinter Cell' Gets New Scribe For Tom Hardy Film: Comic Com|publisher=Deadline|last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr.|date=July 14, 2015}}</ref> In January 2017, Iwanyk confirmed that the script had been completed and sent to Hardy to read over. The producer explained that the film was intended to have its own style within the action movie genre, and that the production team was aiming to make an "edgy" PG-13 rated film.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Trumbore|first1=Dave|title='Splinter Cell' Movie Aims to Distance Itself from Bond, Bourne, and Video Game Adaptations|url=https://collider.com/splinter-cell-movie-tom-hardy/#rating|website=Collider|access-date=30 January 2017|date=January 30, 2017}}</ref> However, on November 15, 2024, it was announced that the film has been cancelled, citing issues getting the script and budget up to the standard they desired.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-11-15 |title=Ubisoft's Tom Hardy-Led Splinter Cell Movie Is Dead, Surprising No-One |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisofts-tom-hardy-led-splinter-cell-movie-is-dead-surprising-no-one |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

===Anime series adaptation===
{{Main|Splinter Cell: Deathwatch}}
In late July 2020, streaming service company [[Netflix]] announced that an [[anime]] series adaptation is in the works from [[Ubisoft Film & Television]]. ''[[John Wick]]'' writer [[Derek Kolstad]] will be serving as executive producer on the series,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chaospin.com/splinter-cell-anime-coming-netflix-john-wick-co-creator/|title='Splinter Cell' Anime Series From 'John Wick' Writer Derek Kolstad Set at Netflix (EXCLUSIVE)|website=Chaospin|date=July 31, 2020|access-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref> while the animation will be created by [[Sun Creature Studio]] and Fost.<ref>{{cite web |last=Leri|first=Michael|date=June 11, 2021|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/1177788-splinter-cell-far-cry-blood-dragon-animated-series-first-images|title=Splinter Cell and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon Animated Series Get First Images
|publisher=[[ComingSoon.net]]|accessdate=June 11, 2021}}</ref> The series premiered on [[Netflix]] on October 14, 2025.<ref>{{cite news|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|date=April 23, 2025|title=Netflix Animation Returns to Annecy with ''Stranger Things,'' ''In Your Dreams,'' ''Fixed'' & Much More!|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/04/netflix-animation-returns-to-annecy-with-stranger-things-in-your-dreams-fixed-much-more/|work=[[Animation Magazine]]|access-date=April 23, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|date=August 21, 2025|title=Anime NYC: Netflix Previews New Seasons of ''Blue Eye Samurai,'' ''Sakamoto Days,'' ''Devil May Cry'' & More!|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/08/anime-nyc-netflix-previews-new-seasons-of-blue-eye-samurai-sakamoto-days-devil-may-cry-more/|website=[[Animation Magazine]]|access-date=August 21, 2025}}</ref>

===Radio drama===
{{Main|Splinter Cell: Firewall}}
A radio drama for BBC Radio 4 Limelight called ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Firewall'' was released 2 December 2022 and was adapted by [[Sebastian Baczkiewicz]] and [[Paul Cornell]] from the novel of the same name by [[James Swallow]].<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001fn5w | title=BBC Radio 4 - Limelight, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Firewall }}</ref> It is an eight part series that follows the plot of the novel of the same name. It was recorded with binaural audio which is ideal for a headphone listening experience. The main voice actors include Andonis Anthony as Sam Fisher (replacing [[Michael Ironside]] as the traditional voice actor for the character), as well as [[Will Poulter]], [[Daisy Head]], [[Rosalie Craig]], [[Sacha Dhawan]], and [[Nikesh Patel]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2022/bbc-radio-4-splinter-cell-firewall | title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Firewall set for BBC Radio 4 }}</ref> Other actors include Mihai Arsene, Olga Fedori, Rina Mahoney, Roger Ringrose, Riad Richie, David Hounslow, Tijan Sarr, Tom Kiteley, Joe Belham, Ali Gadema, Lloyd Thomas, and Charis Jardim-Hinds.<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/> The series won the [[Scribe Award]] for Best Audio Drama.<ref name=S23>{{cite web|url=https://iamtw.org/the-scribe-awards/previous-scribe-award-winners/#2023|title=The Seventeenth Annual Scribe Awards (2023)|access-date=July 28, 2025}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://www.splintercell.com/}}

{{Tom Clancy games}}
{{Splinter Cell}}
{{Ubisoft}}
{{Tom Clancy franchises}}

[[Category:Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell| ]]
[[Category:Fictional military organizations]]
[[Category:Ubisoft franchises]]
[[Category:Tom Clancy games]]
[[Category:Stealth video games]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2002]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into television shows]]
[[Category:Game Developers Choice Award winners]]