After being unofficially announced back in 2004, Rockstar has confirmed that Max Payne 3 will release in March of next year. The game was originally intended to release back in 2009, but numerous delays had gamers classifying it as the next Duke Nukem Forever. The previous installment in the franchise, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, was released eight years ago.
Max Payne 3 reintroduces players to Max Payne, who now finds himself in Brazil as a private security guard. Payne must protect a wealthy family from rival gangs. The series signature bullet-time mechanic will make a return, but new to the franchise is a cover system. Also new is the addition of multiplayer. Rockstar has stated that the multiplayer will have “traditional” modes, along with a leveling system and clans. According to Rockstar, the multiplayer mode "dynamically alters maps and mode progression for all players in a match."
Remedy Entertainment, who developed the first two Max Payne titles, will not return, as they are currently working on a new Alan Wake project. Rockstar has taken over development duties for Max Payne 3, and will incorporate their Natural Motion physics technology into the game, along with the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine.