Hangar 13’s upcoming Mafia: The Old Country will not feature an open-world map, sources close to the project have confirmed, marking a significant departure from the sandbox-style gameplay seen in previous Mafia games like Mafia II and Mafia III.

The new entry in the franchise, which is set in early 20th-century Sicily, opts for a more linear, mission-based structure designed to emphasize its narrative and historical immersion rather than open-world exploration.

“This game is all about the story and the environment,” one insider said. “Instead of sprawling cities, you’ll be playing through tightly crafted locations that serve the narrative and mood of the time.”

A Return to Narrative-Driven Roots

Mafia: The Old Country serves as a prequel, exploring the rise of the Mafia in Sicily before the American chapters of the franchise. The choice to forgo an open-world was a deliberate creative decision by Hangar 13 to deliver a more focused, cinematic experience that mirrors the original Mafia’s storytelling style.

This approach allows the developers to build richer, more detailed environments without the technical and design challenges that come with open-world maps. It also enables tighter pacing and more controlled gameplay sequences, enhancing the emotional weight of the story.

What This Means for Fans

While some fans might be disappointed by the lack of free-roam gameplay—one of the defining features of recent Mafia titles—the decision points to Hangar 13’s intent to prioritize narrative and atmosphere over player freedom.

The game will still feature classic series staples like driving period-accurate cars, gunfights, and a deeply immersive world — just within a more streamlined and focused structure.

Release Details

Mafia: The Old Country is set for release on August 8, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It will be available in both standard and deluxe editions, with the latter including thematic content packs, a digital soundtrack, and an art book.