Last Updated, 1st October
TL;DR
- Mafia: The Old Country is a prequel in the Mafia series, officially released on August 8, 2025, and is set in early 1900s Sicily.
- The game is being developed by Hangar 13 using Unreal Engine 5.
- Mafia: The Old Country was officially released on August 8, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam). The game is now fully available worldwide, with launch editions including both the Standard and Deluxe versions.
- Contrary to earlier speculation, Mafia: The Old Country is not a fully open-world game. Developers opted for a focused, linear narrative structure that prioritizes storytelling, pacing, and historical authenticity. While exploration exists, the game avoids unnecessary open-world bloat in favor of high-impact, cinematic missions.
Recommended Requirements (Speculative):
- OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- RAM: 16 GB
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 3060 / 3070 or AMD RX 6700 XT
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 80–100 GB SSD
The Mafia franchise is coming back, and fans of cinematic crime sagas are on high alert. The Mafia: The Old Country is the rumored title of the next entry in the beloved mafia game series, developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games. While official details are still under wraps, the internet has exploded with leaks, speculation, and developer teases that point to a return to the gritty roots that made Mafia a standout franchise.
Hi, I’m Mike, a gaming enthusiast and game reviewer for the past 4 years. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything we know so far about this highly anticipated game—from the expected mafia game release date to gameplay mechanics, setting, characters, and more. As someone who has followed this franchise closely and reviewed dozens of action titles, I’m just as excited as you are!
The original Mafia game captured my imagination like few others, drawing me into its detailed world and compelling narrative. I vividly remember spending hours just driving around Lost Heaven, soaking in the atmosphere, and the prospect of The Old Country taking us back to the roots of that intricate world fills me with a genuine sense of anticipation.
Mafia Game 2025 – Confirmed News & Developer Updates
Mafia: The Old Country is developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games. The game uses Unreal Engine 5.
While earlier rumors mentioned a codename like “Nero,” no recent official confirmation supports that — the game is consistently referred to by its official title in marketing materials and announcements.
Meanwhile, 2K Games remains the publishing powerhouse behind the title. Their updated trademarks and industry filings suggest that the company is gearing up for a major reveal. For those unfamiliar, Hangar 13 developed Mafia III, and while it was praised for ambition, it was also criticized for repetitiveness. This time, the team seems focused on delivering a richer, more cinematic experience.
My experience with Mafia III left me a bit conflicted; while I appreciated the narrative ambition and characters, the repetitive mission structure eventually wore me down. I’m genuinely optimistic that with The Old Country being built on Unreal Engine 5 and the rumored focus on a tighter, more cinematic experience, Hangar 13 has learned from past feedback and will deliver the deep, engaging story fans crave.
Mafia Game Release Date – When Will It Drop?
Official Update: Mafia: The Old Country launched on August 8, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). The reveal came alongside the gameplay trailer and developer insights video, positioning it well ahead of the typical holiday release window.
Setting & Timeline – Back to the Old Country?
The word “Old Country” in the title is more than just flair. The game is confirmed to be set in early 1900s Sicily, centering on the fictional Sicilian town of San Celeste.
You play as Enzo Favara, a former “carusu” (child laborer) who ascends through the ranks of the Torrisi crime family, experiencing the origins of organized crime in a period setting.
Gameplay Features – What to Expect
Mafia: The Old Country is a third-person, single-player narrative-driven experience; there is no multiplayer or co-op mode at launch.
Many early assumptions about a dynamic open-world, day/night cycles, and environmental interaction have been revised: the game does not use a full open-world design. Instead, it presents curated mission-driven segments and structured areas, though certain missions may allow route flexibility akin to classic Mafia titles.
Gameplay includes period-authentic weapons (revolvers, shotguns, etc.), stealth mechanics, and on-foot traversal, and introduces horse riding, which is new to the series.
Some systems rumored earlier—like morality systems affecting mission outcomes—remain speculative and have not been confirmed in developer statements or launch documentation.
The idea of a morality system that genuinely impacts mission outcomes and a dynamic open world where NPCs have schedules sounds incredibly ambitious. If Hangar 13 can truly pull off these features, it would elevate The Old Country beyond a typical linear experience, allowing for more emergent storytelling and giving players a true sense of consequence for their actions, which is something I always hoped for in the series.
Mafia Franchise Legacy – Why Fans Are Hyped
The original Mafia (2002) introduced players to Tommy Angelo and became an instant classic for its narrative depth. Mafia II (2010) elevated this with better graphics and emotional storytelling centered around Vito Scaletta. Mafia III (2016) was a bold experiment but lacked polish in mission variety.
Mafia: The Old Country represents a potential return to form, blending the emotional storytelling of Mafia II with next-gen capabilities. The fanbase has been vocal about wanting a tighter, more immersive game—and this prequel might be the perfect opportunity to deliver it.
PC System Requirements
At launch, Mafia: The Old Country supports Performance and Quality modes on PS5 and Xbox Series X, with Performance Mode targeting 60 FPS. It is also confirmed to be PS5 Pro-enhanced, including variable refresh rate and 120 Hz support.
On PC, the developers have published official PC specs and hotfix patch notes. (Your prior speculative numbers can remain as rough estimates, but emphasize they are not final unless confirmed.)
Graphically, the game leverages Unreal Engine 5 to produce period-authentic visuals, real-time lighting, and detailed environments.
Platforms, Graphics & Performance Expectations
The game runs on Unreal Engine 5, allowing Hangar 13 to push for realistic Sicilian landscapes, lighting effects, and detailed interiors.
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For console: PS5 and Xbox Series X users can choose between Performance Mode (60 FPS average) or Quality Mode (higher fidelity). The game is also PS5 Pro-enhanced, supporting features like variable refresh rate and 120 Hz.
Like many modern titles, the game is not available on PS4 or Xbox One, focusing solely on current-gen hardware.
Trailer, Leaks & First-Look Screenshots
The teaser trailer first launched during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, with a full gameplay trailer releasing in May 2025.
Developers have also published several “Breaking Omertà” developer diaries and behind-the-scenes featurettes highlighting the game’s historical authenticity, narrative design, and Sicilian collaboration with local studio Stormind Games.
Fan Theories & Wishlist: What the Community Wants
Mafia fans are among the most passionate.
Many community expectations remain unconfirmed. While a branching story or skill tree system hasn’t been officially announced, some fans still hope for more RPG-like features in future installments.
The game’s actual voice language design is notable: it includes full Sicilian-language dubbing for authenticity, though Italian dialogue is not included, only subtitles.
AI reactivity, evolving alliances, or dynamic systems beyond the main storyline remain speculative and haven’t been validated by developer interviews or post-launch documentation.
Conclusion: The Hype Is Real – But Will It Deliver?
Now that Mafia: The Old Country is released, it is often praised as a return to form for the series, especially in narrative and atmosphere, though some critics point out limitations in replayability and world interactivity.
The game offers both longtime fans and newcomers a starting point into the Mafia lore—delivering on its promise of a cinematic origin story set in Sicily, without requiring prior series experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, it's currently in development and expected in August 2025
Yes, it is rumored to be a prequel set before the events of Mafia I.
Yes, it will likely release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
While unconfirmed, pricing may reflect the scale of development and AAA production values.
Will Mafia: The Old Country be like Mafia 2?
Likely yes. Fans expect a return to a linear but emotionally engaging story similar to Mafia II.
Early 1900s, possibly between 1905–1925.
Rumors suggest a Sicilian orphan who rises in the ranks of the mafia.
Expect cinematic missions, shootouts, stealth, and exploration.
Yes, rumors confirm a large open-world Sicily with detailed villages, farmlands, and towns.
