Mafia: Sicilian Accents Enhance Authenticity

Hangar 13, the developer of Mafia: The Old Country, has confirmed that the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns about the initial omission of Italian. Let's delve into the controversy and the developer's response.

Mafia: The Old Country Faced Backlash Over Voice Acting Choices

Developers Emphasize Authenticity in Mafia: The Old Country

The upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, set in 1900s Sicily, sparked debate when its Steam page initially listed several languages with full audio, notably excluding Italian. This omission caused significant backlash from fans, many feeling a lack of respect for the game's Italian roots, given the Mafia's origins.

Hangar 13 quickly responded via Twitter (now X), stating, "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise. Mafia: The Old Country will feature Sicilian voice acting, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicilian setting." They clarified that Italian will still be available for in-game UI and subtitles.

The initial Steam page listing – English, French, German, Czech, and Russian with full audio – fueled the confusion. The absence of Italian, a staple in previous Mafia games, prompted strong reactions from the community.

Hangar 13's decision to use Sicilian was met with positive feedback. Sicilian, while closely related to Italian, possesses unique vocabulary and cultural nuances. For example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian and "m'â scusari" in Sicilian.

Sicily's unique location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East has influenced its language, incorporating elements of Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish. This linguistic diversity aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games in their press release, explaining the choice of Sicilian over standard Italian.

Mafia: The Old Country promises a gritty mob story set in the harsh underworld of 1900s Sicily. While a release date remains unannounced, 2K Games has hinted at a more detailed reveal in December, possibly at the Game Awards.

For further details on the Mafia: The Old Country announcement, refer to the linked article.