Authentic Sicilian Voices to Enhance Mafia: The Old Country's Immersion

Hangar 13, the developer of the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, has confirmed that the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns regarding the initial omission of Italian audio from the Steam page listing.

The developers' statement on Twitter (X) emphasized the importance of authenticity to the Mafia franchise. "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," they tweeted, clarifying that the game’s 1900s Sicily setting necessitates Sicilian dialogue. They also confirmed that Italian language localization will be available through subtitles and in-game UI.

The initial Steam page listing, showcasing full audio in English, French, German, Czech, and Russian, but omitting Italian, sparked considerable backlash from fans. Many felt this decision was disrespectful, given the Italian origins of the Mafia.

The choice of Sicilian, however, has been largely welcomed by fans. The dialect, while closely related to Italian, possesses distinct vocabulary and cultural nuances, enriching the game's immersive experience. The developers' decision aligns with 2K Games' promise of "authentic realism" in their press release. The unique linguistic history of Sicily, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, further justifies the selection of Sicilian for a more historically accurate representation. For example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian and "m'â scusari" in Sicilian.

Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is expected to receive further details in December, potentially during The Game Awards. While a precise release date remains unannounced, anticipation for this immersive and historically-grounded Mafia installment is high.