Authentic Sicilian Dialect Enhances Mafia: The Old Country's Voiceover

Hangar 13, developers of the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, have confirmed the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns over the initial omission of Italian audio from the Steam page listing.

Addressing Fan Backlash

The initial Steam listing for Mafia: The Old Country showcased full audio support for several languages, notably excluding Italian. This sparked significant backlash from fans, given the game's Sicilian setting and the historical connection between the Mafia and Italy. Many felt this exclusion was disrespectful.

Hangar 13 responded swiftly on Twitter (X), emphasizing the game's commitment to authenticity. Their statement clarified that Mafia: The Old Country will utilize Sicilian dialect for voice acting, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicily setting. They also confirmed Italian language localization will be available through subtitles and in-game UI.

The Choice of Sicilian Dialect

The decision to use Sicilian, a dialect distinct from standard Italian, was met with positive reception. Sicilian possesses unique vocabulary and cultural nuances, enhancing the game's realism. For example, "sorry" translates to "scusa" in Italian but "m'â scusari" in Sicilian. The linguistic richness of Sicilian, influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish, reflects Sicily's unique historical position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This linguistic diversity aligns with 2K Games' promise of "authentic realism."

Looking Ahead

Mafia: The Old Country, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is expected to receive further details in December, possibly at The Game Awards. While a release date remains unannounced, this upcoming reveal promises to further excite fans.