New Mafia prequel goes back to its roots in 1900s Sicily

Mafia: The Old Country is shaping up to be a tense gangster adventure set in early 1900s Sicily, marking the latest addition to the long-running franchise. With developer Hangar 13 returning to a more linear, story-driven focus, it looks like you’ll be swapping open-world sprawl for tightly controlled missions – and plenty of mob mischief. Here’s the lowdown on the upcoming prequel, from its newly confirmed summer launch window to its gritty setting.

Release Date Speculation

Hangar 13 confirmed at The Game Awards 2024 that Mafia: The Old Country will launch in Summer 2025. This new timeline comes just after Ubisoft’s big announcement for Dying Light: The Beast. If you’re wondering about possible scheduling conflicts, let’s not forget that Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently pencilled in for autumn 2025. Clearly, 2K is confident enough to pit its classic gangster saga against Rockstar’s juggernaut.

Platforms and Performance

No surprises here: Mafia: The Old Country is aiming for the latest consoles, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Judging by the polished cinematic trailer, you can expect top-tier visuals and attention to historical detail – all those vintage cars and razor-sharp suits look set to shine on current-gen hardware.

Trailers So Far

• Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024: The first trailer dropped, offering a cinematic glimpse of Sicilian streets, ominous meetings in smoky backrooms, and a main character freshly sworn into the family.

• The Game Awards 2024: A second trailer, titled “The Initiation,” confirmed the Summer 2025 release window and showcased a slice of gameplay – including some knife and gun-based combat, car chases in vintage motors, and an unsettling initiation ritual.

Gameplay: A Return to the Roots

Hangar 13 president Nick Baynes has promised a step back from the open-world ambitions of Mafia 3. Instead, the team is doubling down on the linear, narrative-driven approach that made the first two Mafia games so iconic. Think tight mission structures, a heavy focus on cinematic storytelling, and a more intimate scope.

Authenticity is Key

2K assures us “authenticity is at the heart” of Mafia: The Old Country, so you can expect an atmospheric recreation of 1900s Sicily – right down to Sicilian voice acting that matches the era. If historical immersion is your thing, it sounds like you’re in for a treat.

Setting: 1900s Sicily

Mafia: The Old Country transports you to San Celeste, a fictional town last glimpsed in Mafia 2. This time, we’ll see it during the birth of organised crime in the early 20th century. Expect cobblestone streets, vintage architecture, and a taste of Sicilian culture woven into the storyline.

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