We finally know when Mafia: The Old Country is launching – and we now know why it will not be open-world either. According to a new interview, the team at Hangar 13 is going back to a more linear structure on purpose, and a lot of that comes down to what they learned from Mafia 3.
Mafia: The Old Country releases August 8, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are already live.
Why Mafia Is Leaving the Open World Behind
In a recent interview with Insider Gaming, the developers explained that open-world design was never the plan for this one. After the mixed reception to Mafia 3’s mission structure and side content, the team wanted to focus more on core storytelling and pacing.
This time, it is all about story-first missions, tighter scenes, and a more cinematic flow. No filler, no giant map to roam. It is built from the ground up as a single-player narrative game.
Previews Confirm a Tighter, More Focused Mafia
IGN recently went hands-on with the first few chapters of the game, and their verdict was quite clear: this is a return to form. The preview highlights a grounded, story-first approach with good gameplay that supports the narrative without getting in the way.
Some standout details from the IGN preview and what we know so far:
- Linear and cinematic, inspired by the structure of Mafia 1 & 2
- Set in early 1900s Sicily, with a strong focus on atmosphere and family dynamics
- You play as Enzo Favara, a young recruit under local Don Torrisi
- Knife combat and stealth are core mechanics early on, with parries, takedowns, and even stealth perks
- Gunfights do happen, but are used sparingly and with weight
- Chapters include horseback chases, kidnapping missions, and even a knife duel
- The full game will likely run 10–15 hours, making it a more compact experience
IGN also confirmed the $50 price point and said it feels like the kind of game that is designed to actually be finished, not padded out or bloated.
What Else We Know About The Old Country
- Runs on Unreal Engine 5, and it looks stunning so far
- Set during a brutal Mafia turf war in early 20th-century Sicily
- You will be making choices and building your reputation across important story missions
- Horses, side characters, and romance all play a role, but it is all part of the main story
There is no multiplayer, no battle pass, and no live-service systems. This is just a focused, narrative-driven Mafia game, and that is exactly what fans have been asking for.
When Can We Play?
If you are sold, you can already pre-order the game on PC, PS5, or Xbox. The Deluxe Edition includes some early unlocks, but no big content differences.
You can also check out the official site for more trailers and screenshots: mafia.2k.com
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