Mafia Introduces Authentic Sicilian in Voiceovers

Hangar 13, developers of the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, have allayed fan concerns regarding the game's voice acting, confirming the use of authentic Sicilian dialect instead of modern Italian. This decision follows an initial backlash stemming from the game's Steam page.

Mafia: The Old Country Sparks Controversy Over Language Choice

Developers Emphasize Authenticity in Addressing Fan Concerns

The announcement of Mafia: The Old Country, set in 1900s Sicily, initially caused a stir when its Steam page listed full audio support for several languages, notably omitting Italian. This omission sparked considerable debate among fans, many expressing feelings of disrespect given the Italian origins of the Mafia.

However, Hangar 13 swiftly responded on Twitter (X), clarifying their decision: "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," they stated. "Mafia: The Old Country will utilize authentic Sicilian voice acting, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicilian setting." They further confirmed that Italian will be available for in-game UI and subtitles.

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

The developer's choice to use Sicilian dialect has since been met with positive feedback. While closely related to Italian, Sicilian possesses a distinct vocabulary and cultural richness. Simple examples highlight this difference: "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian and "m'â scusari" in Sicilian.

Sicily's unique geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East has significantly influenced its language, incorporating elements of Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish. This linguistic diversity aligns perfectly with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games in their initial press release, justifying Hangar 13's decision.

Mafia: The Old Country is described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily." While a precise release date remains unannounced, 2K Games has hinted at a more detailed reveal in December, potentially coinciding with the Game Awards.

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