Hangar 13, the developer of the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, has confirmed that the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns regarding the initial omission of Italian from the Steam page's full audio language list.
Addressing Fan Backlash
The initial Steam listing, showcasing full audio support for English, French, German, Czech, and Russian, but not Italian, sparked considerable backlash. Many fans felt this decision was disrespectful, given the game's Sicilian setting and the historical connection between the Mafia and Italy. The absence of Italian, a language featured in previous Mafia titles, fueled these concerns.
However, Hangar 13 responded swiftly on Twitter (X), emphasizing the game's commitment to authenticity. Their statement clarified that Mafia: The Old Country will utilize authentic Sicilian dialect for its voice acting, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicily setting. They also confirmed that Italian language localization will be available for the in-game UI and subtitles.
The Choice of Sicilian Dialect
The decision to use Sicilian, rather than standard Italian, is a deliberate choice aimed at enhancing the game's realism. Sicilian, while closely related to Italian, possesses a unique vocabulary and cultural identity. This linguistic diversity, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, reflects Sicily's rich history at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This aligns perfectly with 2K Games' promise of "authentic realism" in their press release. The difference is exemplified by the word for "sorry," which is "scusa" in Italian and "m'â scusari" in Sicilian.
Looking Ahead
Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is anticipated to offer a unique and immersive experience. While a precise release date remains unannounced, 2K Games has hinted at a more detailed reveal in December, potentially during the Game Awards. This upcoming reveal promises to provide further insights into the game's features and storyline.
