Gamescom 2024 has set the gaming world buzzing with its latest announcement, Mafia: The Old Country. The game is set in the picturesque and beautiful backdrop of Sicily that promises to take players into the gritty and harsh reality of the Italian Mafia.
However, amidst all the excitement, a significant controversy emerged after players saw the different voice acting, interface, and subtitles available in the game. Players found that something that threatens to overshadow the game’s release: the absence of Italian voice acting.
Fans Unhappy With the Absence of Italian Voice-Acting in Mafia: The Old Country
Mafia: The Old Country is going to be the latest entry in the beloved and acclaimed Mafia series. The series is known for its deep narrative and immersive worlds which captivate players with its engaging combat and gunplay. The new game will be set in Sicily, a region that is rich with Mafia history so every fan was thrilled that it will be a natural choice for the franchise.
Yet, players were disappointed to see that the game will not feature Italian voice acting. Instead, it will feature Sicilian voice acting. Nevertheless, many fans are left with a feeling that the developers might have made a grave misstep. Players are showing their discontent on various social media platforms and gaming forums.
Fans are worried that the developers might be undermining the game’s authenticity and failing to respect the very culture they aim to represent in the game.
Recently, X user SagamiSword_ expressed surprise over the lack of Italian language support in the game. Many players want games to reflect their own languages and cultures more deeply, rather than being treated as mere backdrops.
Some fans are disappointed and feel disrespected to see this.
The original user replied to one of the comments and expressed that this was just disrespect.
These reactions and backlash from players show that the developers really missed the mark. Even though the Italian audience is smaller, the studio should have appreciated the authenticity and included that in the game.
Fans Demand Answers Over Lack of Italian Voice
Since the game was announced recently, the developers have not responded to the backlash. But fans of the series are hoping that Hangar 13 might listen to their plea and add the VAs or give proper reasoning behind not including the Italian voice acting.
As the players wait for the release of the game in 2025 with no fixed dates, the main focus of most players right now is not on the game itself but on the absence of Italian voice acting. From the trailers, it looks like the game’s narrative and gameplay will pull the player’s focus back.
However, the controversy highlights a broader issue in the gaming industry, especially about the importance of cultural representation and respect in game development. As for now, the community will have to wait and see how this controversy affects the game’s reception and voice acting.
In the end, players are left with a feeling that this might be a missed opportunity to create a more authentic and respectful gaming experience.
Are you excited about Mafia: The Old Country? Tell us in the comment section below.
