The highly anticipated news finally broke: Max Payne 4 is confirmed! Fans of the critically acclaimed action-adventure series have been waiting with bated breath for a follow-up since Remedy Entertainment's masterpiece, Max Payne 2. However, as often seems to be the case in modern gaming, reality has once again failed to meet our high expectations.

According to sources close to the matter, Rockstar Games and its publishing partner, Take-Two Interactive (formerly known simply as Take-Turbo), have retained full ownership of the Max Payne intellectual property since shortly after the release of the first installment. This decision was undoubtedly a significant blow to fans who had grown attached to Remedy's unique take on the hard-boiled detective genre.

But why did Rockstar and 2K ultimately decide against greenlighting another entry in this beloved series? According to industry insiders, it appears that while there were indeed plans for an eventual Max Payne 3 or even beyond, creative differences between publisher and developer proved too great a hurdle to overcome. With Remedy having since moved on to greener pastures with the highly successful Alan Wake franchise (which incidentally also received widespread critical acclaim), all hope seemed lost for another opportunity to experience the gritty world of New York City through Max's troubled eyes.

However, as we know well in this unpredictable industry: never say die! While there has been no official word from either Rockstar or Remedy regarding any potential future plans for a new Max Payne title, fans remain optimistic that one day soon they will be treated to another visceral and emotionally charged gaming experience courtesy of the irrepressible Sam Lake and his team at Rematory Entertainment.

Until then, let us all take solace in knowing that even if we may not yet have Max back on our screens anytime soon (or indeed ever again), there are still plenty more classic titles out there waiting to be rediscovered - including perhaps most notably Rockstar's own critically acclaimed Grand Theft: Vice City Stories or Saints Row IV from Volition Software, both of which offer their own unique brand of over-the-top action-packed gaming fun.

So here's hoping that one day soon we'll see Max back in the saddle once again. Until then, keep it real, Payne!

Max payne 4 confirmed