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Mafia: The Old Country is releasing in a few months, and fans have been wondering if it will be an open-world game or not. Let’s take a look.
Players got to see a gameplay trailer for the new Mafia: The Old Country on May 8, 2025. The one-minute and fifty-two-second clip revealed many elements of the game, such as horseback riding, stealth mechanics, gunplay, and more. Naturally, many have been wondering whether the new mobster adventure title will be an open-world game.
2K Games and Hangar 13 have addressed this concern, stating that Mafia: The Old Country will follow a narrative-driven, story-focused model and will not feature an open-world design.
Mafia: The Old Country Focuses More on the Narrative
Since Mafia 3, the previous installment in the franchise, featured open-world elements, fans have been wondering if Hangar 13 would follow the same structure for The Old Country. However, it appears that the developers have decided to take the franchise back to its roots and have created a more story-rich and narrative-focused title, reminiscent of the original Mafia games. Hangar 13 further solidified this vision by stating in a recent FAQ that Mafia: The Old Country is not an open-world game in a recent FAQ.
In addition to that, the president of 2K Games, David Ismailer, stated:
“We think there’s a large audience for compelling stories that don’t require massive time commitments.”
Ismailer also said:
“We’re excited to offer a game like Mafia: The Old Country in our portfolio, and to provide a linear, highly-polished narrative experience that can easily complement the other more persistent games our players also love and engage with on a more consistent basis.”
However, David Ismailer was not the only one with something to say. Nick Baynes, President of Hangar 13, described the latest title as a “focused, linear experience that combines quality storytelling, authentic era immersion, and a refined take on the familiar Mafia gameplay.” He further added,
“That focus allows us to deliver a story that’s gritty, grounded, brutal, and emotional. Embracing early 1900s era Sicily, this is a mafia origin story that follows our protagonist, Enzo Favara, as he takes the oath and works his way up Don Torrisi’s crime family.”
This deviation from an open-world design is a significant development choice, especially since other games in the Mafia franchise’s competitive space feature massive worlds filled with content that can consume endless hours. However, reports suggest that the gaming community has reacted positively to Mafia: The Old Country choosing a different path and returning to its roots.
Mafia: The Old Country Will Play Like a Mob Movie
Despite its narrative-driven approach, fans have no reason to worry about the new Mafia game lacking high stakes or a grand scope. 2K has stated that the title will feel like a “classic mob movie” and will feature a “cast of unpredictable allies and cutthroat enemies.”
Players will take control of Enzo Favara in 1900s Sicily in a rich story filled with violence, betrayal, and action in Mafia: The Old Country. The game is priced at $49.99, which aligns with the current AAA standard. A Deluxe Edition of the game, with some extra additions and priced at $59.99, is also available for pre-order.
If you are interested in the latest Mafia installment, keep an eye out for its August 8, 2025, release date.
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