Mafia: The Old Country - Developers talk about setting and direction

In the new developer video for Mafia: The Old Country, the Hangar 13 team explains why they are bringing the series back to Sicily - and what this means for the game.

Back to the roots of Mafia

The developers want to show the origins of organized crime with Mafia: The Old Country and to do so they are going back to the very beginning: to Sicily at the start of the 20th century. According to game director Alex Cox, this location is perfect because it is not only the birthplace of the Mafia, but also offers a fresh backdrop that differs greatly from the previous games with American locations.

Local language, rural backdrop

In order to paint as credible a picture of the time as possible, the team has opted for authentic dubbing and staging: the dialog is delivered with a strong accent. The setting is also new for the series: rural, with horses instead of cars, and a focus on traditions, culture and atmosphere.

Technology and story

The game is based on Unreal Engine 5 and focuses on a linear story about Enzo Favara, who wants to make a name for himself in his local clan. So it's less about open world exploration and more about a dense narrative that already whets the appetite for the story in the teaser.

Buy Mafia: The Old Country - on Gamesplanet with pre-order bonus

Mafia: The Old Country will be released on August 8th and is already available for pre-order! Pre-order the Mafia: The Old Country Standard Edition or Deluxe Edition now at Gamesplanet to receive the Soldato Pack with special cosmetics and a helpful amulet as well as digital bonus materials*.

*The pre-order offer is available until the release date for Mafia: The Old Country Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. Internet connection required to unlock bonus content. For digital pre-orders, items are automatically activated in-game at launch. For physical pre-orders, a code is included in the box that can be redeemed in-game. The terms and conditions apply.