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 for Mafia: The Old Country, showcasing full audio in English, French, German, Czech, and Russian, but not Italian, sparked considerable controversy. Fans expressed disappointment and a sense of disrespect, given the game's Sicilian setting and the historical significance of Italian-speaking mafias.
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, inline with the game’s setting in 1900s Sicily." They further clarified that Italian language localization would be available for the in-game UI and subtitles.
The Significance of Sicilian
The choice to use Sicilian dialect instead of standard Italian is a deliberate creative decision. Sicilian, while closely related to Italian, possesses distinct vocabulary and cultural nuances, enriching the game's immersive quality. The developers highlighted the unique linguistic history of Sicily, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, contributing to its rich and diverse linguistic landscape. This aligns with 2K Games' promise of "authentic realism" in their press release. The example provided – "scusa" (Italian for "sorry") versus "m'â scusari" (Sicilian) – illustrates this difference.
Looking Ahead
Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is anticipated to offer a compelling and historically accurate experience. While a precise release date remains unannounced, 2K Games has hinted at a more detailed reveal in December, potentially at the Game Awards.
