Hangar 13, developers of the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, have confirmed the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns regarding the initial omission of Italian from the Steam page's language list.
Mafia: The Old Country Faced Initial Backlash
Developer Statement Emphasizes Authenticity
Hangar 13's tweet clarified their decision, stating, "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise. Mafia: The Old Country will offer voice acting in Sicilian, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicily setting." They also confirmed Italian language localization for the in-game UI and subtitles.
The Steam page initially listed English, French, German, Czech, and Russian with "full audio," leading to fan outcry. The absence of Italian, a key language in the franchise's setting and history, sparked concerns and feelings of disrespect among players.
The choice of Sicilian, however, has been largely welcomed. Sicilian, while closely related to Italian, possesses distinct vocabulary and cultural nuances. For example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian and "m'â scusari" in Sicilian. The unique linguistic tapestry of Sicily, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, reflects the region's rich history and aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games.
Set in the "brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," Mafia: The Old Country promises a gritty mob story. While a release date remains unannounced, 2K Games has hinted at a December reveal, possibly at The Game Awards.
