Mafia III will be a crime epic set in New Orleans amidst heightened social tension, says publisher 2K.

Developed by new studio Hangar 13, the sequel moves away from its predecessors' Northeastern settings for something more Southern-fried.

Players take on the role of Lincoln Clay, a disenfranchised African-American Vietnam veteran who finds family in New Orleans' black mob.

The story involves a mission of revenge against the Italian Mafia, and will see Lincoln building a crime empire of his own.

Lincoln's core crew includes rough-edged Irishman Burke, woman of colour Cassandra, and Mafia II protagonist Vito Scaletta.

Set in the year Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated and when counterculture and public resistance to the Vietnam War were reaching peak fervour, there's plenty of pre-existing conflict for Mafia III to explore, even without organised crime.

Moment-to-moment gameplay will feature third-person shooting, driving, stealth, and a branching narrative structure responsive to player choice.

Mafia III will release in 2016 on new-gen consoles and PC.