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 full audio language list.
Addressing Fan Backlash
The initial Steam listing, showcasing full audio in English, French, German, Czech, and Russian, but not Italian, sparked considerable controversy. Fans expressed disappointment and felt disrespected, given the game's Sicilian setting and the historical connection between the Mafia and Italy. The developers' response, however, has been well-received.
"Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," Hangar 13 stated on Twitter (X). They clarified that Mafia: The Old Country will utilize Sicilian dialect for voice acting, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicily setting. Standard Italian will still be available for in-game UI and subtitles.
The Choice of Sicilian Dialect
The decision to use Sicilian, a dialect with distinct vocabulary and cultural nuances from standard Italian (e.g., "sorry" is "scusa" in Italian, "m'â scusari" in Sicilian), is a deliberate choice emphasizing historical accuracy. Sicily's unique geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East has resulted in a rich linguistic tapestry influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish. This linguistic diversity aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games.
Upcoming Reveals
Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is anticipated to receive further details in December, possibly during The Game Awards. The precise release date remains unannounced.
