By Mafia 3 is the much-derided, misunderstood entry that many fans point to as the series abandoning its roots and becoming something it shouldn’t – and it looks like the developers agree. That’s why the prequel game Mafia: The Old Country is ditching the open world and going back to a more linear mission structure.
Even though both Mafia 1 and 2 feature large worlds that you can freely roam, neither is really considered an open-world game. That’s because the story missions take place in a set order and there isn’t much in the way of side activities, but if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…
Anyway, according to a new interview from IGN, the developers agree with players that a full open-world filled with distractions isn’t a good fit for the Mafia series. The negative response to 3, combined with the positive one for the 2020 Mafia: Definitive Edition remake of the original 2002 game, led Hangar 13 to reconsider its approach – not every game can be GTA, after all.
Mafia: The Old Country is launching on August 8, 2025, and it serves as a prequel to the original trilogy. As the name suggests, we’ll be heading back to the heart of the mobster society: 1900s Sicily. It’s an action-adventure game with a heavy focus on stealth.
Even though it’s not an open-world game in the more modern sense, it will likely benefit from GTA 6’s delay. There are only so many crime simulators we can stomach in quick succession.
While you wait, check out our list of the best adventure games that you can sink your teeth into.