Yesterday, news of a Mafia II demo ran wild across the internet plains, and while it was surely on the cards it’s always nice to get an official confirmation from a game’s publisher about these kinds of things.

It’s also always nice to get extended details about these kinds of things… from a game’s publisher… which is what’s just happened as 2K Games has announced that a Mafia II demo will become available on August 10 on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, while revealing what kinds of shenanigans you’ll be getting up to in the taster.

As you may very well be aware, the story of Mafia II takes place over two decades comprising the 1940’s and 1950’s, set in a “fully realized and immersive” American urban cityscape called Empire Bay (a combination of New York, San Francisco and Chicago).

As Vito Scaletta, you’re trying to make a name for yourself with your friend, Joe, taking on increasingly difficult and challenging jobs for the Mafia, while the dangerous grip of the mobster life takes a stronger hold over your life and your family.

Here’s the official description of the Mafia II demo

“The Mafia II demo invites gamers to dive into the “Buzzsaw” level, where Vito and his buddies, Joe and Henry, are sent to take out a mobster known as “The Fat Man”. While the epic game spans two decades, the Buzzsaw demo takes place during the summer of the ‘50s – a time considered the “Birth of Cool”, and with it, rock ‘n’ roll, hot rods, and rebellious attitudes.

“The demo showcases the type of vibrant edge-of-your-seat action, as well as a slice of the expansive city of Empire Bay in the colorful era.”

Look forward to the demo’s release on August 10th, then, and obviously also look forward to the full release of Mafia II in North America on August 24th and internationally on August 27th, on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Rummage through El33tonline’s previous looks at Mafia II to see what you can find (Hint: you’ll find screenshots, videos and more information!).