14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher Ubisoft announces that the coming PC version of Splinter Cell: Blacklist will be launched at the same time during August as those for the PlayStation 3 from Sony and the Xbox 360 from Microsoft.
Initially, the game was expected to arrive during late spring, but Ubisoft announced that it was pushing it back in order to give the development team more time to polish game mechanics.
A representative from Ubisoft tells Rock, Paper, Shotgun that, “The August 20 date is also for the PC version as well.”
Traditionally, Ubisoft has pushed back PC launches for its core titles in order to protect itself from piracy and the company also acquired a bad reputation among players because it used heavy-handed Digital Right Management solutions.
During 2012, the company tried to patch up its image and launched uPlay in order to give PC gamers a digital distribution solution and gaming hub.
At the same time, Ubisoft has committed to launching all versions of its games simultaneously.
Splinter Cell: Blacklist will see series protagonist Sam Fisher dismantle the old security apparatus he was part of in order to create a new organization called Fourth Echelon.
As he leads the process, the United States is assaulted by a new homegrown terrorist organization that wants to hit high value targets until all troops are returned from foreign deployments.
Returning characters for Blacklist will include Anna Grimsdottir, aka Grim, and the new game will also introduce players to Isaac Briggs and Charlie Cole, members of the new Fourth Echelon.
The main new mechanic introduced to the Splinter Cell franchise is named “killing in motion,” allowing players to select their targets and then take them all out in one fluid move.
The series will continue to blend action-driven and stealth sequences.