Max Payne 3 has finally been announced with some minor details. You can read Rockstar's press release below:

Rockstar Games is proud to announce that Max Payne 3 is currently in development and scheduled for a winter 2009 release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC. Developed by Rockstar Vancouver, Max Payne 3 tells the story of a retired police detective embroiled in a world of corruption, turmoil and intense violence.

 

The award-winning Max Payne franchise put players in the role of Max Payne, a hard-boiled New York City detective with a penchant for violence, out to avenge the death of his family. The latest installment delivers more of the classic elements and hyper-intense action that fans have come to love, while moving the story of Max in a new direction.

 

"We're starting a new chapter of Max's life with this game," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "This is Max as we've never seen him before, a few years older, more world-weary and cynical than ever. We experience the downward spiral of his life after the events of Max Payne 2 and witness his last chance for salvation."

 

Since leaving the NYPD and New York itself behind, Max has drifted from bad to worse. Doube-crossed and a long way from home, Max is now trapped in a city full of violence and bloodshed, using his weapons and instincts in a desperate search for the truth and a way out.

 

www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3

What does this news announcement suggest? If you look carefully and dissect the announcement, here are the more-than-likely possibilities:

• The game is no longer based in New York.
  
• Max is now corrupt.
  
• The game follows the events after Max Payne 2.
  
• Max is now a few years older.
  

Confirmed features:

• Max Payne 3 will utilize the Xbox Live online service. For what - we do not know yet, could be multiplayer, downloadable content, both - we don't know.
  

Please note that most of the content on this page is speculation, but it is noted pretty well.