Mafia Remastered: Authentic Sicilian Voiceovers Enhance 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 from the Steam page's full audio language list.

Addressing Fan Backlash:

The game's Steam page initially listed English, French, German, Czech, and Russian as languages with "full audio," sparking controversy among fans. The absence of Italian, a language central to the Mafia franchise's setting and cultural identity, led to accusations of disrespect. Many felt the exclusion was inconsistent with the game's Sicilian setting and the historical roots of the Mafia.

Authenticity Takes Center Stage:

Hangar 13 responded to the criticism via Twitter (X), emphasizing the importance of authenticity to the Mafia franchise. They clarified that Mafia: The Old Country, set in 1900s Sicily, will utilize authentic Sicilian dialogue. The developers further confirmed that Italian language support will be available through subtitles and in-game UI.

The Nuances of Sicilian:

The choice of Sicilian over modern Italian is a deliberate one, reflecting the game's commitment to historical accuracy and cultural detail. Sicilian, while closely related to Italian, possesses unique vocabulary and cultural nuances. This linguistic richness, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games.

Looking Ahead:

Mafia: The Old Country promises a gritty portrayal of the Sicilian underworld in the 1900s. While a specific release date remains unannounced, 2K Games has indicated that further details will be revealed in December, potentially at The Game Awards.