Mafia: The Old Country drew inspiration from The Godfather and Sicilian knife duels.

      At PAX East 2025, 2K unveiled the latest trailer for Mafia: The Old Country. This new installment in the acclaimed crime franchise promises the classic mob dynamics fans expect, but introduces a significant shift: players will now explore Sicily instead of America.

      Following the trailer's release, Digital Trends spoke with members of the Mafia development team about this new chapter. They shared insights into the decision to set the game in Italy and explained how this unique location influences gameplay. One notable result of this change? An increase in knife fighting.

      The passage of time

      Historically, the Mafia series has placed players in the shoes of various 20th-century mobsters, predominantly across America, especially on the East Coast. As always, the franchise focuses on compelling narratives and characters that resonate with players. Mafia: The Old Country aims to shake up that formula. Game director Alex Cox summarized the concept succinctly.

      “From the very start, we described this as Mafia meets The Godfather in 1900s Sicily,” Cox told Digital Trends. “This internal phrase helped us convey a vivid mental image of the game to other developers.”

      Nick Baynes, president of Hangar 13, assures players that this will still be a "classic Mafia mob story." The primary distinction is its setting in a "brand new, beautiful location." Baynes is particularly enthusiastic that it's a prequel to previous installments, viewing it as "a great jumping-on point" for newcomers.

      Hangar 13 / 2K Games

      Both the time period and setting are vital to The Old Country, as it unfolds in the early 1900s during a significant transitional moment in Sicily. This shift is intentional since the theme of time plays a crucial role in the narrative.

      “It’s a period of change in Sicily,” Cox explains. “A considerable number of Sicilians began to emigrate to America during this time. We've aimed to reflect this throughout the entire creative process in terms of story and mechanics.”

      As players progress, Baynes notes they will observe this transition. He points to how the in-game streets illustrate this change, with some roads more suitable for horse travel while others cater to vehicles. As the story advances, players will witness horse pathways gradually being replaced by those for cars.

      Knives out

      The development team wanted to enhance the combat experience this time, aiming for a more dangerous feel. Every shot counts, which is why a looting mechanic allows players to scavenge after encounters. Preserving ammunition is vital, making some scavenging necessary for survival. However, players won't exclusively rely on guns; knives are now a critical part of combat, as they have unique abilities. Introducing knife dueling isn’t merely a change for variety; it closely ties to the story and setting.

      “Sicily has a tradition of knife fighting, which we felt was emblematic of Sicilian gangsters,” Cox says. “Knife Dueling is a dedicated gameplay mode where certain characters present as bosses, and you must fight them to the death with your knife.”

      This may be the only time the Mafia series visits such a location.

      Getting this element right was paramount, leading the team to send a few members to Sicily to meet artisans who craft traditional Sicilian knives and observe real-life knife fights. This was more than just an exciting trip; it was essential research to ensure the combat accurately reflected its origins. This aligns with a broader theme in The Old Country, as the team sought to prioritize Italian authenticity. They aimed to provide players with a distinctive cultural experience while remaining true to the Mafia's essence.

      “How is it different to play in Sicily?” Cox asks. “It’s the knives, the location. Combat takes place in Greek ruins and underground catacombs—distinctive sites in Sicily. We also feature horse chases where players can jump onto cars.”

      2K

      Creating a sense of adventure was crucial since this may be a unique experience. “This is likely the only time we visit a location like this in the Mafia series,” Cox explains. Unlike earlier titles set in urban environments, The Old Country’s setting enabled the team to embrace a more “thrilling adventure vibe.”

      The team is committed to honoring Sicilian culture while crafting something that fits within the Mafia universe. You can catch glimpses of the knife fights and new setting in the latest trailer. Even for those new to the franchise, The Old Country appears to be a perfect entry point, offering both a bridge into the series and a glimpse into another era.

      Mafia: The Old Country is set to launch on August 8 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.