[UPDATE] 2K tells GameSpot no plans announced yet for future Mafia game, debunks rumor that 2K Czech is assisting Rockstar with Grand Theft Auto V.

Mafia II developer 2K Czech is busy with work, it appears, as a recent rumor suggests the developer is not only crafting a new entry in the Mafia franchise, but is also assisting Rockstar Games with development on Grand Theft Auto V.

If Mafia III is real, punches to the face are probably part of it.

As for the first half of that rumor, a tipster told VG247 that 2K Czech has entered full development on Mafia III following a year of preproduction work. No release window or platforms were made available for Mafia III, but the source said 2K was present at the supposed "Durango" next-generation developer gathering in London last week.

As for the second half of that rumor, the source told the site that 2K Czech has been helping Rockstar for close to a year on Grand Theft Auto V. The Mafia developer is reportedly producing animations for cutscenes and general gameplay for Rockstar's new open-world game.

The site's source indicates that not only is 2K Czech helping Rockstar with Grand Theft Auto V, but Rockstar is sharing some of its development tips with the Mafia house. According to the source, publisher Take-Two is keen on turning the Mafia franchise into the publisher's next big-ticket series.

Grand Theft Auto V was officially announced in October, but no mention has yet been made concerning a launch window or platform(s) for the game. As for a new entry in the Mafia franchise, after shipping Mafia II, developer 2K Czech laid off 40 employees but noted it remained intent on building new games.

[UPDATE] A 2K Games representative told GameSpot, "Rockstar Games and 2K Czech are not working on any projects together. We haven't announced any plans regarding a future Mafia release."

[ Watch Video ]

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot