Rockstar have put a stake in the ground for the next Max Payne game. Max Payne 3 will be released March 2012 on the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

In their latest news post Rockstar reveals the extent of the development behind the game stating that it is a "true cross-studio collaboration between Rockstar Games' global development teams" and that the game "utilizes cutting edge technology for a seamless, cinematic action experience, incorporating the latest advances in Natural Motion physics as well as a brand new iteration of the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine, resulting in highly-refined gameplay with an extensive range of realistic weaponry, an intelligent cover system and sophisticated Bullet-Time mechanics."

The game revolves around Max's new job in private security, protecting a wealthy industrialist and his family in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A gang attacks the family which forces Max into action, to not only save them but also clear his name.

"Max Payne 3 gave us an amazing creative opportunity to evolve one of our most iconic characters," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "We're excited to show fans a modern version of Max that pulls them back into his dark and twisted story."

The game is also the first in the series to include multiplayer, with dynamically altering maps and mode progression for all players in a match, a levelling system and persistent clans.