In the first Splinter Cell (2002), Sam was a youngster at 45. He creaked a bit during split-jumps, but managed to save the world comfortably enough. ... Sam Fisher has changed dramatically.

Once upon a time, Sam Fisher and Solid Snake were top of the gaming tree, stealth operatives in their prime. Times change, of course. Fisher hasn't starred in a Splinter Cell game since 2013's ...

The obvious connection within the company made the Sam Fisher licensing straightforward, whilst any other popular character outside of the Ubisoft umbrella would take an agreement between two sides.