8 Video Game Leaks That Changed EVERYTHING

8. Splinter Cell: Conviction

In September 2006, promotional materials for a new Splinter Cell game, eventually revealed to be Splinter Cell: Conviction, were leaked online.

These images showed protagonist Sam Fisher with long hair and a scraggly beard, implied a greater emphasis on action over stealth, and would also incorporate gameplay mechanics from Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise, such as the ability to blend in with a crowd.

The immediate fan response was not good, to be kind, and when Conviction was formally unveiled in May 2007, it confirmed the leaks to be totally legitimate, only further fuelling an already irate fanbase.

The sustained negativity seemingly led Ubisoft to delay Conviction from its November 16, 2007 release date, with reports suggesting they "went back to the drawing board."

When we saw Conviction again at E3 2009, Sam looked more like his usual self and the game resembled a far more traditional Splinter Cell sequel, much to fans' delight.

It ultimately released to positive reviews, but had Ubisoft ignored the furore from that original leak onwards, their more casual-skewing iteration of the game could've very well flopped and killed the franchise.