The Game Awards 2024 brought a thrilling reveal for Mafia fans: Mafia: The Old Country. This upcoming installment promises a return to the familiar, yet unexplored, world of San Celeste, offering a glimpse into the Mafia’s roots in early 20th-century Italy. The trailer, showcased below, captures the series’ signature blend of dramatic storytelling and explosive action, reimagined for current-gen consoles.
The trailer offers a taste of what awaits players in The Old Country: intense gunfights, brutal brawls with rival families, and the gripping narrative drama that defines the Mafia series. The game appears to retain the compelling blend of Grand Theft Auto-style gameplay and story-driven focus, with a clear nod to classic Godfather influences. This new chapter promises to immerse players in a rich and authentic mafia experience.
A Prequel Story Set in Familiar Territory
Mafia: The Old Country, developed by Hangar 13, the team behind Mafia III, is slated for a Summer 2025 release. The story centers around Enzo Favara’s rise within the mafia underworld of 1900s Sicily, specifically the city of San Celeste. This setting places the game as a prequel to the original Mafia, which takes place in the 1930s. Interestingly, San Celeste was featured in the opening chapter of Mafia II, offering returning players a sense of familiarity.
From Rumors to Reality
Rumors about a new Mafia game, often referred to as Mafia 4, circulated for years, particularly after the success of the Mafia: Definitive Edition remake in 2020. While Hangar 13 never officially confirmed development, whispers of a new project began as early as 2021. The official reveal at Gamescom 2024 Opening Night Live, hosted by Geoff Keighley, finally confirmed the rumors, showcasing a stunning CGI trailer that emphasized the importance of “family” within the Mafia’s ranks.
A Legacy of Crime and Narrative
The Mafia series debuted in 2002 with Illusion Softworks’ Mafia, captivating players on PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox with the story of Tommy Angelo, a cab driver drawn into the Salieri crime family during the 1930s. The game’s critical acclaim positioned it as a strong competitor to Grand Theft Auto. Two sequels followed: Mafia II in 2010 and Mafia III in 2016. While these sequels didn’t achieve the same level of acclaim as the original, they solidified the series’ reputation for engaging narratives and a compelling alternative to Rockstar’s modern settings. The 2020 remake, Mafia: Definitive Edition, further cemented the series’ enduring appeal.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2025
Mafia: The Old Country is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in Summer 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on the official website and social media channels.
