Mafia: The Old Country is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing titles of 2025. Set decades before the events of the original Mafia game, this new prequel from developer Hangar 13 trades sprawling city maps for a more focused, story-driven approach. And while that decision has sparked plenty of excitement, it has also raised one very specific question. Just how long is this game going to be?
The Mafia franchise has always been known for its rich storytelling, period-authentic settings, and emotional narrative arcs. But the way you engage with that story is about to change. Unlike the sandbox structure of Mafia 2 or the open-ended sprawl of Mafia 3, The Old Country will go back to basics. It will deliver a linear, no-distractions experience that keeps you locked into the rise, fall, and legacy of a new set of mobsters.
According to 2K president David Ismailer, this game is designed for players who want a gripping story without committing to dozens of hours of side quests or collectible grinds. He described it as a narrative that is meant to be enjoyed with a manageable time investment. That immediately signals a tighter runtime, likely in the 10 to 12-hour range. And honestly, that’s exactly what many players are craving.
Recent titles in the action-adventure genre have been getting longer, demanding massive playtime to unlock endings or explore every inch of the map. Mafia: The Old Country might just offer the opposite. Something you can complete over a weekend without feeling like you are rushing or falling behind. Its shorter length could actually be its biggest strength, allowing for a more emotional and cinematic journey without the usual gameplay bloat.
Looking at past entries, Mafia 1 and Mafia 2 both sat comfortably within the 10 to 12-hour window. Mafia 3 was longer on paper, but much of that came from its open-world mechanics and optional content. Since The Old Country is a prequel built entirely around story, that classic 10 to 12-hour narrative feels like a deliberate design choice.
The price tag also reflects this approach. Priced at 50 dollars for the standard edition, it suggests that the developers are offering a more compact, refined package rather than a bloated blockbuster. This will likely appeal to fans who value storytelling over sandbox and want a concentrated burst of gameplay without any fluff.
With no multiplayer features confirmed, the entire focus remains on telling a tight, emotionally charged narrative. Players can expect a gripping journey that focuses entirely on character development, power struggles, and classic Mafia themes without the distraction of open-world tasks or online lobbies.
Mafia: The Old Country is set to launch on August 8, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. While it may not demand 50 hours of your life, it just might offer one of the most compelling crime stories of the year in half that time.
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