Hangar 13, the developer of Mafia: The Old Country, has confirmed the game will feature authentic Sicilian voice acting, addressing fan concerns regarding the initial omission of Italian audio on the Steam page. The decision, announced via Twitter (now X), emphasizes the game's commitment to historical accuracy. The developers stated that "Authenticity is at the heart of the Mafia franchise," highlighting the choice of Sicilian as the primary language, reflecting the game's 1900s Sicily setting.

Initial confusion stemmed from the Steam page listing several languages with "full audio," notably excluding Italian, a staple in previous Mafia installments. This sparked backlash from fans, with many expressing disappointment and feeling the exclusion was disrespectful to the game’s Italian origins.

However, the use of Sicilian, a dialect with unique vocabulary and cultural nuances distinct from standard Italian (e.g., "sorry" is "scusa" in Italian, "m'â scusari" in Sicilian), has been largely welcomed. This linguistic choice reflects Sicily's rich history at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, influencing the language with elements of Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish. This linguistic diversity aligns with the "authentic realism" promised by 2K Games in their press release.

While Italian language localization will be available for in-game UI and subtitles, the decision to prioritize authentic Sicilian voice acting demonstrates a commitment to immersive storytelling. The game, described as a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily," is expected to receive further details in December, possibly at the Game Awards.