The Mafia video game series is an iconic franchise of action-adventure games best known for its rich storytelling and meticulous recreation of historical organized crime, spanning from Prohibition-era America to early 20th-century Sicily. Developed initially by Illusion Softworks, later 2K Czech, and most recently by Hangar 13, the series has captivated players with its nuanced characters, complex moralities, and immersive urban environments inspired by real-world cities and events.
The series began with Mafia (2002), a groundbreaking game set in the fictional city of Lost Heaven, mirroring the American Midwest during the 1930s. Players follow the rise and fall of Tommy Angelo, a modest taxi driver drawn into the violent world of the Salieri crime family. Unlike typical open-world games of its era, Mafia stood out for its serious, cinematic approach, intricate plot, and emphasis on realism, from period-authentic vehicles to strict police enforcement. The narrative, influenced by classic films like The Godfather and Goodfellas, unfolds with moral dilemmas and betrayal, ultimately solidifying Mafia’s place as a genre-defining title.
Its successor, Mafia II (2010), enhanced the series’ legacy with a new protagonist, Vito Scaletta, navigating the postwar criminal underworld in Empire Bay, a city inspired by New York. Set in the 1940s and 1950s, Mafia II continued with the franchise’s hallmark focus on narrative depth, presenting a more dynamic and mature story. The game received praise for its detailed world, atmospheric soundtrack, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, ambition, and the destructive nature of the American Dream, all woven into the life of a second-generation Italian-American immigrant.
Mafia III (2016) marked a bold departure, moving the series forward to late 1960s New Bordeaux, a reimagining of New Orleans, and introducing Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam veteran determined to dismantle the city’s ruling Mafia after a personal betrayal. The game was recognized for its thematic exploration of race, revenge, and social upheaval, bringing a contemporary lens to the series’ trademark historical immersion. Despite its ambitious narrative and atmospheric setting, the game drew criticism for repetitive mission design, tempering its critical reception relative to its predecessors.
In 2020, the franchise revisited its roots with Mafia: Definitive Edition, a comprehensive remake of the original. Updated with modern graphics, gameplay enhancements, and expanded story elements, this edition reintroduced Tommy Angelo’s saga to a new generation while offering a faithful homage to longtime fans. The remake was praised for its attention to detail and respectful modernization of the classic title.
Now, the franchise is set for a new chapter with the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, set to release on August 8, 2025. This eagerly awaited entry is a prequel that rewinds the clock to the 1900s in Sicily, centering on Enzo Favara’s journey from an orphaned laborer in the sulfur mines to his rise within the Torrisi crime family, set in the fictional town of San Celeste. Departing from sprawling open worlds, The Old Country promises a more focused, linear experience grounded in storytelling and historical authenticity, all powered by Unreal Engine 5. With its intricate depiction of the Sicilian Mafia’s origins and unique gameplay innovations including era-appropriate vehicles and horseback traversal. The game aims to expand the series’ legacy while capturing the imagination of both new and returning players.
Throughout its evolution, the Mafia series has consistently delivered deeply narrative-driven experiences that spotlight the personal costs and cultural complexity of organized crime, cementing its reputation as one of the most respected franchises in gaming history.
