Mafia 4 Has Started Development, Will Use Unreal Engine 5

If you ask me, last year was an extraordinary year for the world of gaming. It burst onto the scene with Elden Ring mania, captivating players with its dark fantasy world and challenging gameplay. As the year unfolded, it became abundantly clear that 2022 was going to be a memorable one.

The crescendo of the gaming year was undoubtedly the release of God of War Ragnarök, which closed out the year on a triumphant note, earning accolades and sweeping up during awards season. The epic adventures of Kratos continued to enthrall gamers and solidify its place as a beloved franchise.

However, what truly made 2022 remarkable was not just the major AAA titles. Indie gems like Stray dominated the scene, proving that innovation and creativity still thrived in the industry. These smaller, passionate projects stood shoulder to shoulder with the big-budget blockbusters, showcasing the diverse and vibrant landscape of gaming.

Amidst all the gaming excitement, it’s easy to forget that in the heat of summer, we received a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the Mafia franchise. Back in May, online reports began circulating, hinting at the development of Mafia 4—a prospect that set hearts racing in anticipation. According to credible sources, this new installment is slated to be a prequel, promising a deeper dive into the lore of the Mafia universe.

The confirmation we were all waiting for came in August, courtesy of 2K Games themselves. They officially announced that “work had started on an all-new Mafia project.” The gaming community collectively held its breath, eager to learn more about this exciting addition to the beloved series.

The latest revelation has fans even more intrigued: Mafia 4 will harness the power of Unreal Engine 5, promising a level of visual fidelity and immersion previously unseen in the franchise. This move marks a significant departure from the franchise’s previous use of the Illusion Engine, setting the stage for a visually stunning and technologically advanced gaming experience.

A recent discovery by a vigilant Reddit user, ielboy1, has provided further evidence of Mafia 4’s development progress. A Hangar 13 job listing appears to confirm that the team is actively working on the upcoming installment. They are in search of a tools engineer, whose role will involve “creating and maintaining tools for an unannounced multi-platform game currently in pre-production using Unreal Engine 5.” While it doesn’t explicitly state it, it’s highly likely that this project refers to none other than Mafia 4.

Rumors have been swirling about the game’s storyline, with some suggesting that it may focus on the rise of the original Mafia’s Salieri crime family. It’s also rumored that the game will not be set in America, which aligns with the theory, as the Salieri family originates from Italy. Such a narrative shift could bring a fresh perspective to the Mafia series and open up new horizons for storytelling.

Intriguingly, sources have also claimed that Hangar 13 has initiated early development on Mafia 5. While it’s advisable to take this information with a pinch of salt for now, it’s heartening to know that the franchise is in motion once more, especially considering the financial challenges the studio has faced.

In summary, 2022 was undoubtedly a stellar year for gaming, and the future looks even brighter with the imminent arrival of Mafia 4, set to make its mark with Unreal Engine 5 technology and a potentially captivating narrative. The Mafia series continues to captivate and intrigue, promising to keep players immersed in its gripping world for years to come.