Mafia: Immersive Sicilian Voice Acting Enhances Authenticity

Hangar 13, the developer of Mafia: The Old Country, has allayed fan concerns regarding the game's voice acting. Initial confusion arose from the Steam page listing several languages with full audio, notably omitting Italian, despite the game's Sicilian setting. This sparked backlash, with fans feeling the exclusion of Italian, the language of the Mafia's origin, was disrespectful.

However, Hangar 13 clarified on Twitter (X) that Mafia: The Old Country will utilize authentic Sicilian dialect voice acting, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicilian backdrop. This decision, emphasizing authenticity, was met with positive reception. While Italian language localization will be available for subtitles and UI, the core dialogue will be in Sicilian, a dialect with unique vocabulary and cultural nuances distinct from modern Italian. The developer highlighted the historical and linguistic richness of Sicilian, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, aligning with the game's promised "authentic realism."

The choice of Sicilian underscores the game's commitment to historical accuracy. The difference between Sicilian and Italian is significant; for example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian, but "m'â scusari" in Sicilian. This linguistic detail contributes to the game's immersive portrayal of 1900s Sicily and its underworld.

While a release date remains unannounced, 2K Games has promised a more in-depth look at Mafia: The Old Country in December, potentially at The Game Awards. The game is described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," promising a compelling and historically nuanced experience.