Mafia: The Old Country Voice Acting Will Use Authentic Sicilian Rather Than Modern Italian

Hangar 13, developers of the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, have confirmed the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns sparked by the initial Steam page listing. The initial omission of Italian from the list of languages with full audio caused a backlash amongst fans, who felt the decision to exclude Italian, the language of the mafia's origin, was disrespectful.

The developers clarified on Twitter (X) that their decision stems from a commitment to authenticity: "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," they stated. "Mafia: The Old Country will offer voice acting in Sicilian, inline with the game’s setting in 1900s Sicily." They further reassured fans that Italian language localization will be available through subtitles and in-game UI.

The choice of Sicilian, a dialect with unique vocabulary and cultural nuances distinct from modern Italian (for example, "sorry" is "scusa" in Italian and "m'â scusari" in Sicilian), is a deliberate one. Sicily's unique geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East has resulted in a rich linguistic tapestry influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish. This linguistic diversity aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games in their press release.

Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is anticipated to receive further details in December, potentially at The Game Awards. While a precise release date remains unannounced, this confirmation of authentic Sicilian voice acting has been well-received by fans eager for a historically accurate portrayal of the setting.