The acclaimed mobster series is back, this time shifting from its traditional American backdrop to early 20th-century Sicily. Mafia: The Old Country serves as an origin story not just within the franchise, but in the broader context of modern organized crime. Aside from segments of The Godfather Part II, the roots of the mafia in Europe are rarely explored. Every detail in this game has been carefully considered to create an experience that feels authentic both in its storytelling and gameplay.
Mafia: The Old Countrymarks a bold return to the series’ roots. Developed by Hangar 13, the team behind the franchise since Mafia III, this entry is the result of over five years of dedicated work. Many of the studio’s senior developers, including director Alex Cox, have been with the series for years, helping shape its evolution. After remastering the original games in 2020, the team felt a pull toward the more intimate, narrative-driven style of the earlier titles. That inspiration led to the creation of this new chapter, which launcheson August 8, 2025. During a panel at PAX East 2025, the team lifted the veil on the game’s development, offering a rare, intimate look at the their creative process, inspirations, and the thoughtful design choices driving this long-awaited return to form.
The Mafia series holds a special place in the hearts of the team at Hangar 13. To them, it’s not just a game; it’s a legacy. As Studio President Nick Baynes put it, every entry must share “the same DNA.”
“It’s radically different in some ways, and in other ways it’s very much doing the same as the other games.”
Even as an origin story, Mafia: The Old Country had to tie back into the core experience that defines the series. It still needed a narrative thread that anchored it firmly in the Mafia universe. Though none of the games follow the same protagonist, you always know when you’re playing aMafia title. There’s a shared experience that runs through each entry, creating something that feels warm, familiar, and unmistakably part of the same world. As warm and familiar as climbing the ranks of a brutal criminal empire can feel, anyway. That desire to return to the core Mafia experience is part of the reason the team is stepping away from the fully open-world structure of Mafia III. That’s not to say exploration is gone. While much of the story will follow a more linear path, guiding you through key narrative beats, there will still be semi-open areas where you can slow down, take in the Sicilian countryside, and maybe even stumble upon a few Easter Eggs or quirky surprises.
“I think when we set out to make a Mafia game, we really identify what the DNA of the experience is. For example: historical pulp fiction, brutal worlds of organized crime, a gifted anti-hero, themes of power, and setting as a main character. I think if you play other Mafia games, you’ll recognize all those things are very key elements of them. I think all those are definitely true to all the games. So when we look at what’s next, we look back to this and we think ‘how does what we’re making now fit in with those?’, and then deliver the kind of Mafia experience that players want and we want to make.”
As Baynes mentioned, nailing the setting was just as essential as crafting the story itself. Sicily in 1905 is more than a backdrop; it shapes the characters, their motivations, and the world around them. The gameplay reflects this historical context. Automobiles were still a novelty at the time and not widely owned. Many roads were built for horses and carts rather than cars. Despite this, car chases (a staple of the series) make a return and remain thrilling. Missions and combat also reflect the era. The Sicilian Mafia was known for a high rate of kidnappings, even more so than their American counterparts, and these real-world crimes inspire several in-game objectives. Combat emphasizes tactics and survival. Players will encounter two main types of confrontations: standard fights with cannon fodder enemies, where you can choose stealth or go in guns blazing, and more intimate, one-on-one encounters that carry major narrative weight. Weapons are historically accurate: no Tommy guns here, since they hadn’t been invented yet. Rifles are bolt-action, and handguns are relegated to revolvers only. Knives are a recurring element across all combat styles. They’re used for stealth kills, can be thrown with deadly accuracy, and play a major role in duels.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game looks visually striking. During the panel, three of the lead actors were introduced: Riccardo Frascari as Enzo, Carina Conti as Isabella, and Johnny Santiago as Don Torrisi. Their characters resemble them closely, with the exception of Santiago. In his case, the design choice was intentional. Don Torrisi is portrayed as physically larger than the actor, with a more muscular build that adds presence to his character in both facial expression and body language. The game looks incredible. One of the standout features made possible by Unreal Engine 5 is its ability to render nuanced facial expressions. This allows characters to convey emotion and intent without a single line of dialogue, relying instead on subtle shifts in expression. The cinematic experience in gaming has never felt more fully realized, and I’m all in.
Mafia: The Old Countryis shaping up to be one of the standout AAA titles of 2025. While mobster stories are nothing new, this entry shows that with the right level of care and craftsmanship, a familiar genre can feel fresh and elevated. The game holds promise, both as a standalone narrative and as the next chapter in a beloved franchise. Preorders are now available on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series consoles.
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