Mafia: Sicilian Authenticity in Voice Acting

Hangar 13, the developers of Mafia: The Old Country, have 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 a backlash, with fans expressing disappointment at the perceived lack of respect for the game's Italian origins.

However, Hangar 13 clarified on Twitter (now X) that Mafia: The Old Country will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicily setting. This decision, emphasizing authenticity over modern Italian, has been met with positive feedback from fans. The developers stressed that "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," highlighting the unique vocabulary and cultural nuances of the Sicilian dialect. This choice aligns with the "gritty realism" promised by 2K Games.

Sicilian's linguistic richness, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, due to Sicily's geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, further justifies the developers' choice. The inclusion of Italian will still be present through subtitles and in-game UI.

The game, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is anticipated to receive further details in December, possibly at The Game Awards. While a precise release date remains unannounced, the use of authentic Sicilian dialect promises a more immersive and historically accurate experience.