XDefiant Shutdown Sparks Rumors of Canceled Splinter Cell Project

Ubisoft has officially shut down its free-to-play shooter, X Defiant. The service ended in June 2025 after a brief run. Executive producer Mark Rubin also announced his retirement.

The closure fueled industry speculation about the game’s origins. A prominent report suggested XDefiant was born from a canceled Splinter Cell project.

Executive Producer Denies Splinter Cell Connection

Mark Rubin directly addressed the rumors. He stated the project his team inherited was not a Splinter Cell title. According to Rubin, the original concept was simply struggling to find its fun factor.

The team was given a choice to pitch new ideas after that project’s cancellation. They decided on an arena shooter, which became XDefiant. This clarification contradicts the narrative that Ubisoft pivoted directly from Splinter Cell.

Reporting from Bloomberg indicated a separate Splinter Cell project was indeed canceled around 2017. Rubin confirmed he was not at Ubisoft during that earlier period. His account focuses solely on the timeline after he joined the company in 2019.

Splinter Cell Remake Confirmed, But Details Are Scarce

For fans of the stealth series, there is confirmed news. Ubisoft has acknowledged a Splinter Cell remake is in development. This project is being handled by Ubisoft Toronto.

However, the publisher has been quiet on specifics. No release window or gameplay footage has been shown to the public. This silence keeps anticipation high but details scarce.

The continued development of the remake suggests Ubisoft remains committed to the franchise. Its progress is being watched closely by a dedicated fanbase eager for Sam Fisher’s return.

Rainbow Six Siege Hits Major Milestone Amid Shifts

In contrast to XDefiant’s closure, another Ubisoft title is celebrating. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege will mark its 10th anniversary in December 2025. The tactical shooter has reached over 100 million registered players.

Ubisoft plans a community celebration for this milestone. The event will include daily free rewards for all players throughout December. This acknowledges the community’s role in the game’s long-term success.

The longevity of Siege highlights the potential stability of live-service games. Its sustained popularity stands in stark contrast to the short lifecycle of XDefiant.

The XDefiant shutdown clarifies Ubisoft’s challenging landscape, where new projects face immense pressure while legacy titles like Siege demonstrate enduring power. The company’s future hinges on balancing innovation with proven successes.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was XDefiant really shut down?

Ubisoft shut down XDefiant due to declining player engagement. The game failed to maintain a strong enough player base to support its live-service model. This led to the decision to end service in June 2025.

Is Ubisoft still making a Splinter Cell game?

Yes, a remake of the original Splinter Cell is confirmed to be in development. The project is being led by Ubisoft Toronto. No release date has been announced yet.

How many people played Rainbow Six Siege?

Rainbow Six Siege has surpassed 100 million registered players. The game continues to maintain a strong and active community. It is celebrating its 10th anniversary in December 2025.

What happens to my XDefiant purchases?

All in-game purchases are now inaccessible following the shutdown. The game’s servers have been taken offline permanently. Ubisoft typically does not offer refunds for spent currency in these situations.

Did Mark Rubin work on the Splinter Cell remake?

No, Mark Rubin was executive producer on XDefiant. He was not involved with the Splinter Cell remake development. His work at Ubisoft focused solely on the arena shooter.