According to images sent to IGN, and a subsequent statement by 2K, Mafia 3 is launching during calendar year 2016, perhaps as early as April 26. Previously, 2K’s only official commentary on the game’s release has been that it is coming this year.
An image of a preorder card for the game showing an April 26 release date matches up with a listing on GameStop’s website. After IGN’s initial report, 2K provided the following statement to the outlet:
"Mafia III will release in calendar 2016 during Take-Two Interactive’s fiscal year 2017. No official release date has been announced at this time. It is common practice for retailers to list placeholder dates before an official release date has been announced due to the requirements of their operating systems."
Mafia 3 is an open-world crime game set in 1968 New Orleans. In a developer interview from last year, we learned that the game’s protagonist Lincoln Clay is defined by his need to find family and need for belonging. The game is inspired by, but not actually set in, 1960s to 1970s New Orleans. The title will also feature combat, stealth, interrogation, and vehicular combat systems.
Mafia 3 is expected later this year.