Splinter Cell's complexity hurting its popularity

The Splinter Cell franchise's complexity is hurting its popularity, according to Ubisoft Toronto head Jade Raymond. Speaking to Eurogamer, the designer explained that the Sam Fisher stealth series has not achieved Far Cry or Assassin's Creed numbers because of the way it challenges gamers.

Overall, Raymond said Splinter Cell is really a "thinking game," and one that requires players to take their time and plan out how certain objectives should be approached. This is still appealing to gamers, she said, but it represents a different approach than most games.

"That's where you get the thrill, but it's a different way of playing than most games on the market these days," she said.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist-- which launches in August for PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U--is attempting to offer a "broader range of play." This includes the hardcore stealth experience for longtime fans, as well as action-focused elements that Raymond said she hopes will broaden the game's player base.