Hangar 13, the developer of Mafia: The Old Country, has confirmed the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns following the initial Steam page listing.
Addressing Fan Backlash Over Italian Voice Acting Omission
The initial Steam listing for Mafia: The Old Country, set in 1900s Sicily, showcased full audio support for several languages but notably omitted Italian. This sparked considerable backlash from fans, many feeling the exclusion was disrespectful given the game's setting and the historical origins of the Mafia in Italy.
Hangar 13 responded on Twitter (X), 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 Sicilian setting." They further clarified that Italian language localization will be available via subtitles and in-game UI.
The Choice of Sicilian: A Commitment to Authenticity
The decision to use Sicilian, a dialect distinct from modern Italian, has been widely praised by fans. Sicilian possesses unique vocabulary and cultural nuances; for example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian but "m'â scusari" in Sicilian. This linguistic richness stems from Sicily's unique geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, resulting in influences from Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish. This linguistic diversity aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games.
Anticipation Builds for December Reveal
Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is expected to receive a more detailed unveiling in December. With the Game Awards also scheduled for December, many anticipate a significant reveal at this prestigious event. The game's release date remains unannounced.
