Authentic Sicilian Voices Embellish Mafia: The Old Country

Hangar 13, the developer of Mafia: The Old Country, has confirmed that the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns regarding the initial omission of Italian on the Steam page.

Addressing Fan Backlash

The game's Steam page initially listed several languages with "full audio," notably excluding Italian, a surprising omission given the game's Sicilian setting and the Italian origins of the Mafia. This sparked significant backlash from fans who felt the decision was disrespectful.

Hangar 13 responded on Twitter (X), stating that "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," explaining that the use of Sicilian dialect is crucial to accurately portray the 1900s Sicilian setting. They confirmed that Italian will still be available for in-game UI and subtitles.

The Choice of Sicilian Dialect

The decision to use Sicilian, a dialect distinct from standard Italian, has been widely praised by fans. Sicilian possesses unique vocabulary and cultural nuances, reflecting the rich linguistic history of the island, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish. This linguistic diversity aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games. The example provided highlights this difference: "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian and "m'â scusari" in Sicilian.

Looking Ahead

Mafia: The Old Country promises a gritty mob story set in 1900s Sicily. While a precise release date remains unannounced, 2K Games has hinted at a more detailed reveal in December, possibly coinciding with The Game Awards. The use of authentic Sicilian voice acting promises a more immersive and historically accurate experience for players.