Assassin's Creed 3 due this year?

What we heard: If a purported Ubisoft 2012 release schedule proves accurate, the publisher will ship new entries in many of its major franchises--including Assassin's Creed 3--before the year is out.

Gameranx got hold of Ubisoft's alleged 2012 software release schedule and on it were several announced titles, led by Assassin's Creed 3. No further information regarding that game was made available, though Ubisoft said last year that a "full-fledged" Assassin's Creed game was due out in 2012.

Additionally, the calendar shows that a new Splinter Cell title--Splinter Cell: Retribution--will arrive for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC this year. A new Splinter Cell game is currently in development at the publisher's outfit in Toronto, but it has not been officially announced.

The schedule also indicates that a new entry in the Just Dance franchise reportedly titled Just Dance Final Party will be released this year. That game is rumored to see release for the Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. The Just Dance franchise has sold more than 25 million units, and Ubisoft told GameSpot last month that it was especially pleased with Just Dance's ability to win over hardcore gamers.

The last unannounced title on the supposed 2012 Ubisoft calendar was Prince of Persia for the Wii and 3DS. No further information was provided concerning this title.

The release schedule also mentioned Brothers in Arms: Furious 4, I Am Alive, Far Cry 3, Ghost Recon: Future Solider, and Ghost Recon Online, all of which have been previously announced as due in 2012.

The official story: A Ubisoft representative told GameSpot, "We're thrilled and kind of amused to see this lineup news. It shows that players are anxious to hear about Ubisoft's upcoming releases. However, this reported lineup is inaccurate. We guarantee you that you'll hear directly from us soon about the amazing variety of games Ubisoft has slated for fiscal year 2012-13."

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that Ubisoft would commission a third core entry in the Assassin's Creed series given the major success of the brand thus far. However, when it will actually ship, only Ubisoft knows. As for the unannounced games, new entries in the Splinter Cell and Just Dance franchises seem likely. However, Ubisoft said the list is inaccurate, indicating at least something is amiss here.