Mafia: The Old Country's August Release Date Leaked on Steam, Quickly Pulled Before PAX East Showcase
After years of speculation and whispered rumors, Mafia: The Old Country finally appeared with what looked like an official release date — August 8, 2025 — quietly listed on Steam.
However, as of this writing, that date has been removed, suggesting it may have been a premature reveal or placeholder. Still, the buzz hasn't died down.
Hangar 13 is preparing for a big showing at PAX East on May 8 at 7 PM BST / 2 PM ET — a moment fans hope will finally confirm the release date and showcase gameplay.
🇮🇹 La Famiglia Goes Back Home
Mafia: The Old Country is set to pull us back into the smoky underworld of organized crime. But this time, it’s going back to where it all began: Sicily.
Yes, you read that right.
Set decades before the original Mafia (2002), The Old Country takes place in early 20th-century Sicily — the rugged, sun-drenched island where the seeds of the Mafia were sown.
Instead of the bustling American cities of Lost Heaven or Empire Bay, we’re trading in Model Ts for mule carts, Tommy guns for rusted revolvers, and concrete jungles for cobblestone villages.
This isn't just a new map — it's a tonal reset. Sicily offers a raw, untamed backdrop. No jazz clubs or neon signs, but expect grape vineyards, crumbling villas, and whispers behind every church door.
The game promises to dig deep into the roots of loyalty, betrayal, and bloodlines, rather than flashy mobster tropes.
Hangar 13, the studio behind Mafia III, returns at the helm. Despite mixed reception to their last entry, they’ve had nearly a decade to reflect.
And according to insiders, The Old Country represents a reboot in spirit — less about reinventing the wheel, more about refining what made the original Mafia games resonate: storytelling, atmosphere, and tension.
The development hasn't been without bumps. Layoffs and leadership changes at Hangar 13 over the past few years left many fans skeptical.
But internally, this project has reportedly been a passion project — one that blends the cinematic storytelling of the first game with the open-ended structure of the third.
A Legacy Revisited
For long-time fans, Mafia: The Old Country feels like a love letter. The first Mafia in 2002 gave us Tommy Angelo, the reluctant cabbie turned enforcer — a role that helped define story-driven open-world games.
Mafia II brought us Vito Scaletta and Empire Bay, deepening the emotional grit. Mafia III introduced Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam vet out for vengeance — bold, but divisive in its execution.
What The Old Country does differently is shift the spotlight from the American Dream to the Mafia's origin myth.
It's not about climbing the ranks of a modern crime family — it’s about surviving in a world where power isn’t taken with money or muscle alone, but through whispered pacts, family names, and ancient debts.
What to Expect
While gameplay details are still under wraps, expect a return to linear storytelling with open segments, a strong focus on character development, and a combat system that leans more into tension than chaos. Think more slow-burn thriller, less GTA rampage.
If done right, The Old Country could be the redemption arc Hangar 13 has been waiting for — and the Mafia game fans didn’t even know they needed.
Mafia: The Old Country is expected to launch later this year, and it might just be the boldest step the franchise has taken in years — by stepping backward in time.
While the previously leaked date of August 8, 2025 stirred excitement, all eyes are now on May 8, when the official Hangar 13 Developer Panel will stream live from PAX East at 7 PM BST / 2 PM ET.
During this special event, fans will get a first look at a brand-new gameplay trailer, behind-the-scenes insights, and a deeper dive into the world of The Old Country. Joining the panel will be Studio President Nick Baynes, Game Director Alex Cox, and Cinematics Director Tomas Hrebicek.
The event will stream via the PAX East Mainstream, Mafia’s YouTube channel, and later through a dedicated Steam post.
If you ever wondered where it all started — not just the family, but the code, the fear, and the legacy — this panel might finally lift the veil — and officially end Omertà.
