Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb confirmed this morning that Assassin's Creed 2 is the next free title in the Xbox "Games With Gold" Program. That means the Italiano assassino romp will be available for all those gratis stabs and requiescat en paces on July 16.

Announced during Microsoft's E3 press conference, the "Games with Gold" program highlighted Assassin's Creed 2 and Halo 3 on stage. After a little clarification, it turned out those two titles wouldn't be the first two games due in July. Defense Grid: The Awakening is currently free, with Ezio's exploits up next. There is no announced window for Halo 3 going free at this time.