Mafia III: Authentic Sicilian Voiceover Enhances Immersive Experience

Hangar 13, the developer of Mafia: The Old Country, has confirmed the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns regarding the initial omission of Italian on the Steam page. This decision emphasizes the game's commitment to historical accuracy.

Mafia: The Old Country Faced Initial Backlash

The game's Steam page initially listed several languages with full audio, notably excluding Italian. This sparked controversy among fans, given the game's Sicilian setting and the historical significance of Italian mafias. Many felt the exclusion was disrespectful.

Hangar 13's Response: Authenticity is Key

Hangar 13 took to Twitter (X) to clarify the situation, stating that "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise." They confirmed that Mafia: The Old Country will use authentic Sicilian dialect for voice acting, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicilian setting. They also confirmed that Italian will be available for in-game UI and subtitles.

The Choice of Sicilian: A Rich Linguistic Tapestry

The decision to use Sicilian, rather than modern Italian, highlights the game's dedication to realism. Sicilian, while closely related to Italian, possesses unique vocabulary and cultural nuances. The example given was the word for "sorry," "scusa" in Italian and "m'â scusari" in Sicilian. Sicily's unique geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East has resulted in a rich linguistic heritage influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish. This linguistic diversity aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games.

A Deeper Look at Mafia: The Old Country

Set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily, Mafia: The Old Country promises a gritty mob story. While a release date is yet to be announced, 2K Games has hinted at a more detailed reveal in December, possibly at the Game Awards.

For further details on the game's announcement, see the linked article.