Mafia II developer 2K Czech is assisting Rockstar North in development on Grand Theft Auto V, if a VG247 source to be believed.

The studio has apparently been working on the game for almost a year, and is creating animations for in-game cutscenes and general gameplay.

The collaboration is said to be part of 2K’s plans to turn Mafia into a major franchise. Rockstar has apparently been sharing its secrets with 2K Czech, who are said to be fully underway with Mafia III after a year of pre-production.

Take this all with a grain of salt, of course. When reached for a statement, 2K said it would not comment on rumors and speculation.