In a conference call today with investors, Ubisoft confirmed strong speculation that Splinter Cell: Conviction has been delayed to the company’s 2009-2010 fiscal year, which runs from April 1, 2009 to March 30, 2010.

Without giving a specific reasoning behind the delay, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said, “It is a major product and we want it to be able to catch all the gameplay opportunities it is offering to us today.” He added, “There are lots of opportunities that we want to take and so that is why we can give him a little bit more time to make sure it can become a huge product.”

This marks the third time that the second current-generation installment in the Splinter Cell series has been delayed. Previous rumors suggested that the title had been sent back to the drawing board development-wise, which would explain the inordinate delay.

Read more: Ubisoft Responds To Splinter Cell Conviction Delay Murmurs, Ubisoft Explains Splinter Cell Conviction Xbox 360 Exclusivity, Haze Pushed To Fiscal 2008-09, Ubisoft Gunning for Seamless Experience With Splinter Cell: Conviction, Rumor: Splinter Cell Conviction Delayed