If you like Mafia 4, you should definitely visit a country where it is celebrated as a “national institution”

Mafia: The Old Countrythe long-awaited fourth installment in the beloved series, takes players on a thrilling journey through the gritty underworld of early 20th century Italy.

But while the game promises to be a masterpiece in storytelling and immersive gameplay, there is 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 the Czech Republic (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 country that makes it such a hotbed for Mafia be a fan?

A local 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 humble origins, the game was a huge hit, selling over 2 million copies worldwide (until the announcement of Mafia 2) and establish the series as a force to be reckoned with in the gaming industry.

But while the series has achieved 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 also in neighboring countries, which is really interesting. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to Brno, and on the taxi ride to the studio, the driver starts talking to me about Mafia and how excited they are about the fact that Mafia is a local franchise from the Czech Republic.

There is 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 known for their immersive storytelling, richly detailed worlds, and memorable characters.—All qualities that are highly valued 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 installment at Gamescom 2024, fans of the series have even more reason to cheer. Hangar 13 and 2K promise to take players back to the roots of the series, with a gritty, immersive mafia story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily.

For longtime fans of the series, this will be music to the 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. We’re creating a deep, linear story with that classic mafia movie feel, visiting a stunning new environment, and delivering it all in a tight, focused package that’s perfect for fans of immersive experiences.

While few details are known about the game yet, 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 the Czech Republic to experience the birthplace of this iconic franchise for yourself? Who knows, you might even share a cab ride with a coworker Mafia enthusiasts who are keen 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 the Czech Republic? Let us know in the comments below!