After years of speculation and radio silence, the beloved Mafia franchise is finally making a triumphant return with its latest entry, Mafia: The Old Country. Developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games, this upcoming title isn’t just another sequel; it’s a bold new chapter that takes fans back to the very origins of the Mafia underworld. Set in the sun-drenched yet treacherous streets of 1900s Sicily, The Old Country acts as a narrative prequel to the entire Mafia series, offering players a chance to experience the birth of organized crime in the place where it all began. And in today’s article, we’re going through Mafia: The Old Country news recap to cover everything you need to know about the game.
Unveiled with a cinematic teaser at Gamescom 2024 and followed by a gripping gameplay trailer in May 2025, Mafia: The Old Country has quickly become one of the most anticipated games of the year. From its rich historical setting and gritty, character-driven story to its return to a more linear, immersive gameplay experience, everything we’ve seen so far suggests that Hangar 13 is steering the series back to its roots, while still introducing new mechanics, technologies, and cultural depth.
The game promises a deeply personal tale of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal through the eyes of Enzo Favara, a young Sicilian man desperate to earn his place in the Cosa Nostra. Featuring stunning visuals, period-accurate environments, and voice acting in Sicilian, The Old Country is shaping up to be a love letter to fans of classic Mafia storytelling.
In this in-depth breakdown of Mafia: The Old Country news, we’ll explore everything you need to know: from the confirmed release date and supported platforms to gameplay features, story details, setting, and pre-order bonuses. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this guide covers it all.
Mafia: The Old Country News: Release Date Confirmed
The most exciting piece of Mafia: The Old Country news so far is the official release date. Hangar 13 and 2K Games have confirmed that the game will launch on August 8, 2025. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, alongside a brand-new gameplay trailer that showcased a host of never-before-seen details about the title.
The release window had been broadly hinted at since Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, but the specific date had remained a mystery until now. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, especially considering that GTA 6 has been delayed to 2026, giving Mafia: The Old Country a prime opportunity to capture players’ attention this fall.
Platforms: Where Can You Play Mafia: The Old Country?
Mafia: The Old Country is being developed exclusively for current-generation hardware. This includes:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
Hangar 13 is clearly leveraging the power of these modern consoles to deliver a more graphically immersive and mechanically refined experience. The cinematic reveal trailer and gameplay footage highlight just how much effort is going into making this one of the best-looking games in the series. At the moment, there’s no word on a release for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for any updates.
Pre-orders for the game are already live across Steam, the PlayStation Store, and the Microsoft Store.
Trailers: A First Look at the Italian Underworld
The game made its debut during Gamescom 2024 with a dramatic cinematic trailer that introduced the setting and tone. However, it was the May 2025 gameplay trailer that truly grabbed everyone’s attention.
The latest teaser showcases protagonist Enzo Favara traversing beautiful yet dangerous 1900s Sicily. We see horseback riding through scenic Italian towns, stealthy infiltrations of guarded locations, high-speed car chases in period-appropriate vehicles, and brutal shootouts. There’s even hand-to-hand combat and stealth gameplay that gives strong Indiana Jones and the Great Circle vibes.
This trailer not only gives us a deeper sense of what the game will be like but also reinforces the emphasis on narrative and setting, something the Mafia series has always excelled at.
Story: A Return to Mafia’s Roots
One of the core elements of Mafia: The Old Country news that has players excited is the return to a more linear, story-driven experience. Unlike Mafia 3, which featured a large open-world structure, The Old Country dials things back to a tighter, more narrative-focused format.
The game follows Enzo Favara, a young man determined to prove himself to the Cosa Nostra. Enzo’s journey takes place in the fictional Sicilian town of San Celeste, a location that fans may recognize from Mafia 2. His goal? To earn the trust and respect of the Torrisi crime family, a quest that involves high-risk missions, navigating betrayal, and uncovering the dark origins of organized crime.
Hangar 13 has emphasized that this prequel will delve deep into Mafia’s legacy and honor the “authentic realism and rich storytelling” that longtime fans love.
Gameplay: Gritty Action Meets Historical Immersion
According to Hangar 13 president Nick Baynes and Mafia: The Old Country news, the game will offer a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and fresh. While the title is more linear in structure, it still features a diverse range of gameplay mechanics to keep things exciting:
- Third-person shooting returns as a major component of combat.
- Stealth mechanics allow players to sneak through enemy bases.
- Hand-to-hand combat makes an appearance, bringing variety to fight sequences.
- Horseback riding and classic cars help you navigate the open regions of San Celeste.
Despite not being a fully open world, the game will still give players opportunities to explore richly detailed environments rooted in early 20th-century Italy.
Additionally, one of the most impressive features revealed in recent Mafia: The Old Country news is the commitment to authenticity. The game will feature fully localized voice acting in Sicilian, offering a truly immersive cultural experience that matches the time period.
Setting and Time Period: 1900s Sicily
Unlike previous entries that jumped between different eras and cities, Mafia: The Old Country plants its roots firmly in 1900s Sicily. Based on Mafia: The Old Country news, this is the earliest time period explored in the series so far, and it presents a rich backdrop for storytelling.
The town of San Celeste serves as the main location. This fictional Italian settlement is a mix of sun-soaked villas, cobblestone alleys, and hidden mafia enclaves. The developers have leaned into historical detail, using architecture, language, fashion, and vehicles to bring this time period to life.
This setting allows the story to explore the very origins of the Mafia, a fresh angle that should intrigue both newcomers and longtime fans.
Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
If you’re planning to pick up Mafia: The Old Country, there are two main editions to choose from:
Standard Edition – $49.99 / £49.99
- Includes the base game.
Deluxe Edition – $59.99 / £54.99
- Includes the base game.
- Padrino Pack (Weapons, Outfit, Charm, Knife, Limousine, Horse & Accessories).
- Gatto Nero Pack (Pistol, Outfit, Charm, Race Car).
- Digital Art Book
- Original Soundtrack
Additionally, pre-order bonuses are available for both editions, including:
- A new exclusive outfit.
- A unique knife and charm.
- A horse and horse accessories.
Why Mafia: The Old Country Stands Out
With GTA 6 delayed, Mafia: The Old Country finds itself in a rare position to dominate headlines and gamer attention in late 2025. But it’s not just the timing that makes it special; it’s the return to what made the Mafia franchise stand out in the first place.
When we talk about Mafia: The Old Country news, this isn’t just another open-world sandbox; it’s a carefully crafted, character-driven story set in a rarely explored historical context. The blend of realistic violence, emotional storytelling, and cultural authenticity helps elevate The Old Country above other upcoming titles.
For fans who appreciated the tight storytelling of the original Mafia and Mafia II, this prequel is a welcome return to form.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that Mafia: The Old Country is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and anticipated releases of 2025. With its gritty, character-driven narrative, a beautifully realized 1900s Sicilian setting, and a focus on cinematic, linear storytelling, Hangar 13 seems poised to deliver a truly memorable experience. Returning to the series’ roots, the game promises to offer a deep dive into the origins of organized crime through the eyes of Enzo Favara, a young man striving to earn his place within the feared Torrisi crime family.
Whether it’s the immersive worldbuilding, refined combat mechanics, or the authenticity of fully localized Sicilian voice acting, every aspect of Mafia: The Old Country is being crafted with care and attention to detail. With gameplay elements like horseback riding, stealth sections, hand-to-hand combat, and high-speed car chases, the game looks to offer a compelling blend of action and drama.
We’ll continue updating this article as more Mafia: The Old Country news becomes available. From new trailers and developer interviews to technical insights and post-launch plans, we’ll keep you fully informed. So, whether you’re a longtime fan of the Mafia series or a newcomer, mark August 8, 2025; this is one game you won’t want to miss.
Read the news recap of the latest trends in video game industry via Gamerative.
FAQs
Will Mafia: The Old Country feature multiplayer or co-op modes?
No, Mafia: The Old Country is strictly a single-player experience. Hangar 13 has confirmed that the game will focus solely on a narrative-driven, solo campaign with no plans for multiplayer or co-op gameplay. This design choice is in line with the studio’s aim to deliver a cinematic, story-focused journey that mirrors the tone and structure of the original Mafia games. While some fans hoped for online features or a Mafia-themed co-op mode, the developers are doubling down on immersive storytelling without distractions.
Can we expect mod support for the PC version of Mafia: The Old Country?
As of now, Mafia: The Old Country does not include official mod support. However, given the vibrant modding community around Mafia II and Mafia III, it’s likely that third-party mods may emerge post-launch, especially on PC platforms like Steam. That said, Hangar 13 hasn’t provided any modding tools or APIs for this title. If you’re hoping to enhance your experience with mods, keep an eye on community forums, but don’t expect official integration or support at release.
Will the game include dynamic weather and time-of-day systems?
Yes, but with a twist. While Mafia: The Old Country is not an open-world sandbox, it does feature a scripted dynamic weather system that changes based on mission context and story progression. Instead of real-time day/night cycles, weather and lighting are tied to the narrative, enhancing atmosphere and emotional tone. For instance, stealth missions may take place under the cover of night with heavy fog, while dramatic confrontations might occur during a thunderstorm. This system serves to heighten the cinematic quality of each mission rather than simulate an open-world environment.
