It has been eight long years since the last installment in the Mafia series, but fans of the franchise have much to look forward to. The upcoming title, Mafia: The Old Country, aims to return to the series’ roots, and it appears to be on track for a sooner-than-expected release.
The Mafia franchise has established a cherished legacy over its 20-year history, marked by three main entries and their respective staggered releases by 2K Games. Following a comprehensive re-release of the trilogy in 2020, it has now been confirmed that a brand new game is actively in development.
Initial reports indicated that the game would serve as a prequel, a fact now officially validated during an announcement at Gamescom 2024.
With Mafia: The Old Country taking center stage, let’s delve into all the essential details disclosed so far.
Release Window for Mafia: The Old Country
While a specific launch date has yet to be announced, it is confirmed that Mafia: The Old Country is slated for a Summer 2025 release. This information was revealed during The Game Awards 2024.
Rumors about the game began circulating back in 2022, suggesting that it has been in development for some time. Fans can look forward to the game soon, unless unforeseen delays arise.
Although gameplay footage has not yet been unveiled, further information may not be too far off.
It’s important to consider that Mafia is published by 2K, which is part of Take-Two Interactive. The parent company has scheduled the much-anticipated GTA 6 for release next year. Given that both titles are open-world crime games, there’s potential for Mafia’s release to shift if the timing overlaps with Rockstar’s project.
Platforms for Mafia: The Old Country
The upcoming Mafia title will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
Currently, there has been no announcement regarding support for previous-generation consoles, suggesting that the game has been developed to leverage the capabilities of modern hardware.
Trailers for Mafia: The Old Country
The first teaser for Mafia: The Old Country was showcased during Gamescom 2024’s Opening Night Live. This 62-second video provided a glimpse of the game’s environment and time period.
A more detailed trailer was presented at The Game Awards 2024, offering insights into the game’s narrative and showcasing gameplay elements. Viewers were also introduced to the game’s central character.
Setting and Plot Elements in Mafia: The Old Country
From the initial news surrounding this Mafia project, sources like Kotaku reported that the developers at Hangar 13 were focused on creating a prequel. Codenamed ‘Nero,’ this fourth installment is expected to transport players back prior to the events of the first game.
Insights from XboxEra host Nick Baker suggested that the prequel will unfold during the late 19th to early 20th century, emphasizing the character of Don Salieri, a figure introduced in the original game.
While not every detail has remained consistent, it is confirmed that Mafia: The Old Country is indeed a prequel, set in the early 1900s in Sicily, focusing on “the origins of organized crime.”
“In Mafia: The Old Country, we’re going back to the roots of what fans love about the franchise, crafting a deep, linear narrative with that classic mob movie feeling, visiting a stunning new setting, and delivering it all in a tight, focused package perfect for fans of immersive experiences,” stated Nick Baynes from Hangar 13 during the game’s reveal.
The protagonist of this installment is named Enzo, and players will accompany him from the start of his story, including his initiation into his crime family. While it’s still uncertain if any notable characters from prior games will appear, there is a possibility that the Salieri family may make an appearance.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch of Mafia: The Old Country.
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