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 Steam listing showcased full audio support for several languages, notably omitting Italian, despite its prominence in previous Mafia titles. This omission caused significant backlash from fans, many feeling the exclusion was disrespectful given the Mafia's Italian origins.

However, Hangar 13 quickly clarified their decision on Twitter (X), stating, "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise. Mafia: The Old Country will offer voice acting in Sicilian, aligning with the game's 1900s Sicily setting." They further confirmed Italian language support for the in-game UI and subtitles.

The choice of Sicilian dialect, while closely related to Italian, offers a unique vocabulary and cultural depth. This linguistic richness, reflecting Sicily's unique historical position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (influencing the language with elements of Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish), underpins the game's commitment to "authentic realism," as promised by 2K Games. The subtle differences, such as "scusa" (Italian for "sorry") versus "m'â scusari" (Sicilian), highlight this commitment.

Set in the "brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," Mafia: The Old Country promises a gritty mob story. While a precise release date remains unannounced, 2K Games hints at a more detailed reveal in December, potentially during The Game Awards.