Insights from Hangar 13’s PAX East Presentation on Mafia: The Old Country
During an engaging panel at PAX East, the developers of Mafia: The Old Country, Hangar 13, shared an array of behind-the-scenes insights regarding the game’s development. Moderated by Greg Miller from Kinda Funny Games, the discussion featured key figures from the studio, including Nick Baynes, the president; Alex Cox, the game director; and Tomas Hrebick, the cinematic director.
Returning to Roots: A Structured Experience
Excitement among fans has surged following the recent gameplay trailer, which illuminated various elements of The Old Country. Notably, the game’s structure will reflect the first two installments of the series, prioritizing a linear experience over the expansive open-world format. Baynes emphasized that The Old Country will offer a guided storyline while still allowing players to freely traverse the beautifully crafted environment of 1900s Sicily, brought to life using Unreal Engine 5.
Enhanced Gameplay Features
Baynes aptly described the gameplay as “familiar, but better, ” while Cox highlighted new gameplay elements unique to this installment. Unlike previous entries rooted in American cities, The Old Country introduces fresh missions that invoke nostalgia while reimagining classic activities well-known to series veterans. A standout feature revealed was the inclusion of knife dueling, a significant combat element showcased briefly in the trailer. Additionally, the game maintains traditional gunplay, reminiscent of the original Mafia title, shifting away from the more explosive style seen in Mafia III.
Character Introductions and Narrative Depth
During the panel, three primary cast members were unveiled, adding depth to the story. Riccardo Frascari lends his voice to Enzo Favara, the game’s protagonist. The role of Bernado Torrisi, the Don of the Torrisi family, is portrayed by Johnny Santiago, while Carina Conti plays Torrisi’s daughter, Isabella. In an intriguing twist, Cox confirmed that players can expect to encounter up to four familiar characters from previous Mafia installments, though details were withheld to maintain the element of surprise.
A Commitment to Authenticity
Authenticity has been a driving force behind the game’s development, particularly regarding its historical context. Hangar 13 went to great lengths to ensure accurate representations of the vehicles featured in the game. Collaborating with a classic car collector in the Czech Republic, the team was able to photograph and even drive some of the earliest vehicles, capturing the unique sounds of these iconic machines.
Anticipating the Launch
With a clear commitment to detail and player experience, Hangar 13’s efforts in bringing Mafia: The Old Country to life are evident. Players can look forward to immersing themselves in this richly crafted world when the game releases on August 8, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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