Mafia: Sicilian Authenticity Enhances Voice Acting

The developers of Mafia: The Old Country have confirmed the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns over the initial omission of Italian audio from the Steam page listing.

Addressing Fan Concerns: Sicilian, Not Modern Italian

Initial reports about Mafia: The Old Country, set in 1900s Sicily, sparked controversy when the Steam page listed several languages with full audio, notably excluding Italian. This omission led to significant backlash from fans, given the game's setting and the Italian origins of the Mafia.

Hangar 13 quickly responded on Twitter (X), stating that "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise." They clarified that the game would use authentic Sicilian dialogue, reflecting the game's historical setting. Italian language support will still be available through subtitles and in-game UI.

The choice to use Sicilian, a dialect with unique vocabulary and cultural nuances distinct from modern Italian, was praised by many fans. The linguistic diversity of Sicilian, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, is a key element contributing to the game's promised "authentic realism," as stated in the 2K Games press release. For example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian, but "m'â scusari" in Sicilian.

A Deeper Look into the Brutal Underworld of 1900s Sicily

Mafia: The Old Country promises a gritty mob story set in the harsh realities of 1900s Sicily. While a precise release date is yet to be announced, 2K Games hints at a more substantial reveal in December, possibly coinciding with the Game Awards.

Stay tuned for further updates on Mafia: The Old Country!