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 initial Steam listing, showcasing full audio support for English, French, German, Czech, and Russian, but excluding Italian, sparked considerable controversy among fans. The setting of the game in 1900s Sicily, coupled with the historical significance of Italian Mafia origins, led to accusations of disrespect and a perceived lack of authenticity.

Hangar 13 responded swiftly on Twitter (X), stating that "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," and clarifying that Mafia: The Old Country will utilize Sicilian dialect for its voice acting, reflecting the game's historical and geographical setting. They also confirmed that Italian language localization will be available for the in-game UI and subtitles.

The Choice of Sicilian Dialect

The decision to use Sicilian, a dialect distinct from modern Italian, has been widely praised by fans. This choice underscores the game's commitment to historical accuracy and cultural nuance. The linguistic differences are significant; for example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian, but "m'â scusari" in Sicilian. Sicily's unique location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East has resulted in a rich linguistic tapestry influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, further justifying the developers' choice. This aligns perfectly with 2K Games' promise of "authentic realism" in their press release.

Looking Ahead

Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is expected to receive a more in-depth reveal in December, potentially at The Game Awards. While the precise release date remains unannounced, this upcoming showcase promises to provide further details and insights into the game's development.