The upcoming entry in the Mafia franchise, Mafia: The Old Country, has officially received its ESRB rating, confirming an M (Mature 17+) classification for its intense depictions of violence, strong language, and adult themes. Developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K, the title is set to release on August 8, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC.
According to the ESRB’s detailed summary, Mafia: The Old Country will immerse players in the violent and morally complex world of organized crime in 1905 Sicily. Players assume the role of Enzo Favara, a man determined to rise through the ranks of a powerful Mafia family during a volatile era in southern Italy. The gameplay centers around third-person action sequences, combining firearms, explosives, and stealth mechanics with a narrative focused on loyalty, betrayal, and ambition.
Combat in the game is described as visceral and graphic. Players will make use of a wide array of weapons, including knives, pistols, shotguns, and rifles, to eliminate rival gang members and bandits. Realistic gunfire effects, cries of pain, and blood-splatter animations accompany each violent encounter. Stealth takedowns, such as slitting throats and stabbing enemies from behind, are also available to players seeking a quieter approach.
Cutscenes are noted for their intense portrayal of violence. These include moments where characters are shot in the head, a bound man is bludgeoned to death in a chair, a character has his throat cut in a close-up scene, and another has his finger severed.
The title also features strong suggestive themes. Sequences are set in a brothel where women escort clients, and one cutscene depicts a man tied to a bed by two women. Dialogue in these scenes is deliberately provocative, including lines such as “Give me…more vino and all the lovely boobies” and references to recent activities in the brothel.
Alcohol consumption plays a notable role, with the player-character seen drinking and even operating vehicles under the influence. The game’s script includes frequent use of strong language, with the word “f**k” cited in the ESRB report. The rating also mentions the presence of in-game purchases, though it is unclear whether these are cosmetic or linked to gameplay.
Mafia: The Old Country serves as a prequel to the original Mafia game and is the fourth mainline installment in the series. With its historical setting in Sicily and a focus on the formative years of organized crime, the title aims to deliver a grounded, narrative-driven experience that expands on the franchise’s legacy.
