Mafia: The Old Country, the highly anticipated fourth installment in the beloved series, is set to take players on a thrilling journey through the gritty underworld of early 20th-century Italy.
But while the game promises to be a masterclass in storytelling and immersive gameplay, there’s one country where the Mafia franchise is more than just a popular video game series—it’s a matter of national pride!
That’s right, we’re talking about Czechia (also known as the Czech Republic)—the birthplace of the series and a country where the games are celebrated as a “national institution.” But what is it about this Central European nation that makes it such a hotbed for Mafia fandom?
A Homegrown Franchise with a Global Reach
The Mafia series has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the Czech Republic. The first game, released in 2002, was developed by a small team at Illusion Softworks (now 2K Czech) in the city of Brno. Despite its modest origins, the game was a massive hit, selling over 2 million copies worldwide (up until the announcement of Mafia 2) and establishing the series as a force to be reckoned with in the gaming industry.
But while the series has gone on to achieve global success, it remains a point of pride for many Czechs. As Alex Cox, Game Director at Hangar 13, noted in a 2022 Q&A celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary:
It’s a national institution in the Czech Republic and in surrounding countries as well, which is really interesting. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been over in Brno, and during the taxi ride to the studio, the driver will strike up a conversation with me about Mafia and how excited they are about the fact that Mafia is a homegrown franchise from the Czech Republic.
There’s a lot of national pride in the franchise.
It’s not hard to see why the iconic series has struck such a chord with Czech gamers. The games are renowned for their immersive storytelling, richly detailed worlds, and memorable characters—all qualities that are deeply appreciated in a country with a rich literary and artistic tradition.
Mafia 4: A Much-Needed Return to the Series’ Roots
With the recent reveal of the next entry at Gamescom 2024, fans of the series have even more reason to rejoice. Hangar 13 and 2K promise to take players back to the series’ roots, with a gritty, immersive mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily.
For long-time fans of the series, this is music to their ears. Many have been clamoring for a return to the more grounded, story-driven approach of the first two games, and it looks like the developers are ready to deliver.
Nick Baynes, President of Hangar 13, expressed his enthusiasm for the project in a recent press release:
We’re going back to the roots of what fans love about the franchise, crafting a deep, linear narrative with that classic mob movie feeling, visiting a stunning new setting, and delivering it all in a tight, focused package perfect for fans of immersive experiences.
While details about the game are still scarce, fans can look forward to a closer look at Mafia: The Old Country in December 2024. In the meantime, why not plan a trip to Czechia to experience the birthplace of this iconic franchise firsthand? Who knows, you might even find yourself sharing a taxi ride with a fellow Mafia enthusiast, eager to discuss the series’ impact on their country’s culture.
Are you excited about Mafia: The Old Country? What do you think about the series’ status as a “national institution” in Czechia? Let us know in the comments below!
