Screenshots Reveal Early Version of Max Payne 3 Set in Russia

Early screenshots from a canceled version of Max Payne 3, which was originally set in Russia, have surfaced online. In one of the images, you can spot the iconic towers of Moscow State University.

These materials were actually published a year ago on ArtStation by artist Imkan Hayati, who collaborated with Rockstar Vienna. The studio was responsible for the initial build of the game: in the original concept, Max Payne was supposed to head to Moscow after the events of the second game. However, in 2006, Rockstar Vienna was shut down and the project was handed over to Rockstar North. The final version ultimately changed its setting to Brazil and was released in 2012.

The post sparked discussion on Reddit:

“That's really cool,” — Turbulent_Rutabaga76.

“It's a shame they didn't revisit this concept for DLC. Might have screwed with the canon, but it would have been awesome nonetheless. I feel like Rockstar wasted a ton of potential with MP3, specifically how they just up and abandoned the multiplayer,” — RMoby6160.

“Russian setting woulda been perfect,” — SnyderpittyDoo.

According to rumors that surfaced this spring, Rockstar may be working on remasters of GTA 4 and Max Payne 3.