Even though it is still yet to even receive a firm release date, it looks like Max Payne 3 might already be in the hole for more money than he bargained for. According to analyst Arvind Bhatia, Rockstar has already “sunk” about $105 Million on development for the third person action game, and will need to move a staggering amount of units just to break even.

Bhatia even goes on to reveal that Max Payne 3 has a huge effort ahead of it if the title wants to even break even, let alone make a profit. There’s definitely been a strong response for the various promotional materials released for the game, but it makes us fearful that Rockstar might just pull the plug and cut their losses.

At this point, with Max Payne 3’s likelihood of releasing wavering between “a snowballs chance in hell” and “it’s so close I can taste it”, it’s hard to predict just how well Max Payne 3 will sell. While we don’t expect it to be a flop (does Rockstar even make any of those anymore?), Bhatia believes that, if his numbers are correct, the title would need to sell somewhere in the vicinity of 4 Million units just to break even.

Now that might not be a very unreasonable number for a yearly title like Call of Duty or Madden, for what was ostensibly a niche action game — that did revolutionize the bullet-time idea in gaming — it’s going to be an uphill battle.

From our first looks at the game, through unfortunately screenshots only, there seems to be a stark new twist being put on the grizzled detective, but one that feels logical in terms of his character arc seen thus far. It’s just a question of whether or not the gaming world is ready for another Max Payne. So many games have come out and cornered a very similar market that it makes one wonder if the chance to capitalize on that fan base has passed. I guess only time we tell.

And don't forget, the first trailer for the game is supposed to be releasing in just two days time so stick tuned to Game Rant for that official reveal.

Do you think that we will ever see Max Payne 3? Is 4 Million units feasible for a title that last enjoyed popularity in 2003?

Max Payne 3 is believed to be targeting a March 2012 release date for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

Source: Industry Gamers