Earlier this month, UK gaming magazine Xbox World 360 drummed up speculation that Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell Conviction was delayed until 2009, possibly 2010. The claims were further fueled by the fact that Conviction made no appearance at all during the company’s annual Ubidays media event.

Ubisoft community developer “UbiRazz” issued a response to the widely spread rumors today, noting that “development of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction is continuing well and the game is shaping up nicely.” He added that gameplay-wise, the title has “evolved,” and that we can expect additional details in the forthcoming months.

That’s nice to hear, but still no direct comment in regards to the delay. While it’s doubtful the game has been pushed back until 2010, a delay into 2009 does seem increasingly likely, given the manner that Ubisoft is handling these rumors in – and of course the fact that Conviction was a no-show at Ubidays.

UbiRazz’s full statement can be read past the jump.

Hi guys,

It’s been a while since our last message but we’re happy to say that development of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction is continuing well and the game is shaping up nicely. The team here is very dedicated and focused to making sure that Conviction turns into an amazing experience of Splinter Cell.

There are lots of rumours flying around right now about Conviction’s development status and we can tell you that the gameplay has evolved, similar to what happens in every game’s development process, and you won’t be disappointed. We take your feedback from these forums very seriously and, although we can’t respond to each and every thing people say, we do take these posts into consideration when making the game.

Unfortunately we’re not able to make Ubidays this year but in the forthcoming months we’ll be back in touch to begin showing you this new installment of the Splinter Cell series.

Splinter Cell Conviction Team

A letter from the devteam [Ubi]

Read more: Rumor: Splinter Cell Conviction Delayed, Ubisoft Explains Splinter Cell Conviction Xbox 360 Exclusivity, Splinter Cell: Conviction Unveiled, LePage: No Wii Conviction, PS3 Is Underpowered, Ubisoft: Splinter Cell: Conviction Delayed Till 2009-2010 Fiscal Year