The Decline of Stealth Games Has Been Sad To See

See full bio

Salman Fareed

At old.tech4gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.

See full bio

Ah, the nostalgia of those nights, sitting in the dim glow, fingers tight around the controller as I carefully planned my every move. The rush of beating the AI at its own game, slipping past guards undetected, the thrill of a flawlessly executed stealth takedown – these were the defining moments of high-quality stealth gaming. But where did those games disappear to?

In 2024, it seems like stealth gaming is barely hanging on, a mere ghost of its former self. The genre that once had timeless hits like Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell, and Dishonored now struggles to keep up.

Looking back at where it started and where it’s at now, I can’t help but ask: what went wrong with this once-loved genre of gaming?

Why it matters: With Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake possibly coming next year, there is still hope for the genre.

The Golden Era of Stealth Gaming

The stealth genre really took off with Metal Gear Solid in 1998. Hideo Kojima’s series introduced us to an approach that emphasized avoiding enemies rather than fighting them head-on.

This set the stage for other classics like Hitman, Splinter Cell, and Dishonored. Back then, the stealth genre was all about planning and patience. I loved the challenge of outsmarting enemies and sneaking through levels without getting caught.

Titles like Splinter Cell and Hitman: Silent Assassin became iconic examples of the genre, each offering its own spin on stealth gameplay that hooked me. The late 2000s and early 2010s saw a resurgence of dedicated stealth games.

Dishonored offered players a choice between stealth and action, harkening back to the genre’s roots. Games like Alien: Isolation and Outlast revived stealth gaming by showing how sneaking around and staying hidden is crucial for staying alive.

The Decline in Popularity

The decline of the stealth genre can be traced back to several factors. One big problem is that many games today sacrifice stealth for more action-packed scenes.

Even titles labelled as “stealth” often turn into loud shootouts soon after starting. The emphasis has shifted from sneaky strategies to just charging in and shooting, with stealth almost forgotten.

Look at the newer Assassin’s Creed games. They’ve kept some stealth features but really push players towards fighting and flashy kills. The satisfaction of blending in and quietly taking out targets has been swapped for chaotic fights and action.

Fortunately, it seems Ubisoft is more interested in stealth this year.

What happened to stealth games, which were once abundant?
byu/learner1314 inpcgaming

The new generation demands high-octane, action-packed video games, and publishers realize that.

They don’t have the patience to plan the stealth executions anymore carefully. I think one of the saddest things about the genre fading away is the scarcity of pure stealth games. In 2024, there are hardly any titles solely focused on sneaking around.

Interestingly, while releases in the genre are becoming rarer, stealth elements are showing up in other genres. Many big-budget titles now mix in stealth to add variety. Games like Far Cry and Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain let players pick between fighting head-on or sneaking around, twisting stealth into the broader gameplay.

But even with these changes, the pure stealth experience—where avoiding detection is everything—has lost some of its shine. The thrill of quietly navigating levels without getting caught has taken a backseat to faster, more high-octane gaming.

Indie Stealth Games Saving the Genre

While big-budget AAA games have moved away from pure stealth, indie developers have fully embraced and revamped the genre. Without the same commercial pressures, these developers have curated experiences that stay true to the genre’s essence.

I enjoyed playing titles like Mark of the Ninja and Aragami. They have my respect for keeping the genre alive and staying true to the stealth mechanics and gameplay. There’s also one indie game called Winter Embers, which heavily takes inspiration from Thief.

Many indie games often delve into new settings and ideas, bringing fresh perspectives to stealth gaming not seen in mainstream titles. With their boundary-pushing approach, indie developers show that there’s still a dedicated audience hungry for stealth adventures.

So, is stealth gaming dead? Not quite. It may be on life support, but there’s still a glimmer of hope. Hideo Kojima has hinted at a new IP based on stealth-based espionage gameplay. 

Moreover, Ubisoft is working on Splinter Cell Remake, which may have a few interesting ideas of its own.

Salman Fareed

Passionate gamer and content creator with vast knowledge of video games, and I enjoy writing content about them. My creativity and ability to think outside the box allow me to approach gaming uniquely. With my dedication to gaming and content creation, I’m constantly exploring new ways to share my passion with others.