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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 theMafiafranchise 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 forMafiafandom?
A Homegrown Franchise with a Global Reach
TheMafiaseries 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 over2 millioncopies worldwide (up until the announcement ofMafia 2) and establishing the series as a force to be reckoned with in the gaming industry.
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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 2022Q&Acelebrating 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 therecent reveal of the next entry at Gamescom 2024, fans of the series have even more reason to rejoice.Hangar 13and2Kpromise 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.
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Nick Baynes, President of Hangar 13, expressed his enthusiasm for the project in a recentpress 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 atMafia: The Old Countryin 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 fellowMafiaenthusiast, eager to discuss the series’ impact on their country’s culture.
Are you excited aboutMafia: The Old Country? What do you think about the series’ status as a “national institution” in Czechia? Let us know in the comments below!
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :965
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.
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