Mafia: The Old Country Voice Acting Will Use Authentic Sicilian Rather Than Modern Italian

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

Addressing Fan Backlash

The announcement of Mafia: The Old Country, set in 1900s Sicily, initially sparked controversy when its Steam page listed several languages with full audio, notably excluding Italian. This omission caused significant backlash from fans, many feeling it disrespectful given the Italian origins of the Mafia.

Hangar 13 responded via Twitter (X), emphasizing the game's commitment to authenticity: "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," they stated, confirming Sicilian voice acting to reflect the game's setting. They also clarified that Italian language localization will be available for the in-game UI and subtitles.

The Choice of Sicilian

The decision to use Sicilian, a dialect distinct from standard Italian, has been largely welcomed by fans. Sicilian possesses unique vocabulary and cultural nuances, enriching the game's immersive quality. The developers' choice aligns with 2K Games' promise of "authentic realism" in their press release. The unique linguistic history of Sicily, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, further justifies this decision. For example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian, but "m'â scusari" in Sicilian.

Release and Future Updates

Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," lacks a firm release date. However, 2K Games has hinted at a more detailed reveal in December, possibly coinciding with The Game Awards.