A complete guide on how to run Splinter Cell: Conviction (Steam) on windows 10 in 2020. (w images)
Edit: There is a way to use a controller using Steam even if you own the Ubisoft Connect version. I have added the method at the end of the post
So, I didn't have any idea on the "issues" of this game when I first bought it. After scouring the internet, I finally got the game running with xbox 360/one controller support. I had to do quite a lot of running around to find how to do this, so I thought I'd make a guide on my method, which worked twice on two different windows computers.
Part 1: Getting the game to run
So once you download the game and try to boot it up for the first time, you'll be met with this error message "Operating system not supported" But don't worry, we can work around this.
You want to travel to your file directory and enter conviction's file located at:
ThisPC>Windows (C:)>Program Files (x86)>Steam>Steamapps>common>Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction
Once you find the folder, you want to enter the "src" folder, you should find one named "system" enter that folder as well.
Once you enter that folder, you want to find the application file named "conviction_game" Right click it, and enter properties. Once the pop up menu opens, go to the compatibility tab. You will want to change the compatibility mode from windows 10 to 7, hit apply and then ok. This will be our first step to getting the game running.
(Note: If you are playing on KB/M and there is some texture flicker, you can set the compat to windows xp ver 3, and the game will run. But controller support will not work)
Now that this is done you can try to start the game again, but you will get another error code. "Ubisoft launcher error code 1" The game cannot start because you do not have the ubisoft launcher installed. There used to be an integrated launcher in the files, but since Ubisoft rebranded "Uplay" this will not work.
Edit: Some people have asked me about the location of the CD Key, so here is where you can find it in your steam library. If the key isn't there after a download, you may need to attempt to start the game for the pop-up to happen notifying you of it's existence.
You want to go to Ubisoftconnect.com and download the program, this is the newest version of Uplay. And the game will not work without it. Create an account, and setup the launcher for your PC. (It's pretty self explanatory so I wont explain it here) Once you create your account and setup Ubi-connect, click the sidebar and select "Activate A Key"
Once you do that, enter your game's key from Steam in the bar, but only the game key. DLC is entered in-game.
Once that is done, the game should appear in your Ubi-Connect library, and now you can play the game! I would suggest starting it from Steam first, or your desktop shortcut if you made one. Since it will ask you to link your accounts which makes it much easier.
Now if you're interested in using an 360/one controller, you'll need to do a few more steps.
Step 2: Configuring the controller
Now for this, you'll want to plug in your controller, turn on Steam, and turn it into big picture mode. Once you've entered BPM, you want to hit the settings cog.
In settings, select the controller settings menu
Now once you're in controller settings, unselect gamepad support, and select xbox controller support.
Now go back to your home screen and into your library, and select conviction. We're looking for "Manage Game"
Now when you're in this menu, it should be completely blank. Since I already have the config loaded in, the rebinds are already in place so ignore this. Select the Browse Configs option.
In this menu, look for the "BuLLiT's TRU S.C. CONVICTION CONTROLS" config. Once you have selected it, add the config and you're done!
Part 3: Using BPM on the Ubisoft Connect version
Here's how you add the non-steam version, basically Steam has a feature where you can add non-steam games in you library, which allows the overlay to be accessed during play. Which also allows the game to show up in BPM, and give you access to the controller configuration panel shown earlier in the tutorial.
I'll be using Pandora Tomorrow as the example file.
All you'll need to do prior is find the game's .exe file. Which is as simple as right clicking the shortcut in the desktop and clicking "open file location" Make a mental note of the game file's location
Now you'll want to open Steam, and navigate to your library. Hit the add a game button.
Once you've done that, then check to see if the .exe file is on the list of programs, if not, select the "Browse" option. Navigate to the location of the .exe file and select it.
Once you've done that, the game should enter your library. Which should now also be in the BPM library, If you don't see it, scroll down to the "try something new" area, it should be there. Follow the tutorial from Part 2 until you reach the config step.
If you already have Bullit's config downloaded, you should be able to select it from there. Or you can customize the key bindings to your liking.
Now save your changes and bing-bang-boom! You can play conviction with a controller!
The only thing that does not work with this setup is the d-pad gadget select, that still strafes for some reason. But you can just use the numbers to select your gadgets. Also the game loves to not save your view invert settings in-game, so don't forget to go into the in-game settings and change that when you boot it up.
Be sure to plug your controller in before you start the game, as if it's not plugged in, it won't load your config. Also be sure to put steam into BPM before playing, so it can load your controller config.
I hope this helps you relive some nostalgia, or enjoy this game for the first time!