The Mafia series is one of those gaming franchises that many people seem to know about yet lacks the popularity of its peers. It isn't as big as the Grand Theft Auto franchise and lacks Saints Row's unique sense of identity. Yet the Mafia franchise remains a valuable IP for publisher 2K and one that maintains a strong fan following.Today marks the 20th anniversary of Mafia's release and 2K knows how to celebrate. Mafia: Definitive Edition was met with mostly positive reviews, but the publisher wants to take gamers even further back. In a recent post on 2K's official Twitter account, it revealed that the original version of Mafia would be made available for free on Steam for a limited time. Gamers will be able to download the game from the digital platform from September 1-5.As its title suggests, the Mafia games focus on the America Mob in Illinois, California, and Louisiana, with each game following a new protagonist. While certain aspects of the Mafia franchise are inaccurate, it has given gamers the chance to be a part of La Cosa Nostra without the legal ramifications. The first game primarily focuses on Tommy Angelo in Illinois. A poor taxi driver, Tommy is inadvertently dragged into a life of organized crime after saving the life of a pair of Salieri family members. He eventually finds that he is far better suited to it than he ever imagined which ultimately leads to his downfall. Now gamers will be able to experience the original version of this story once again for free for a limited time.
Since the first game was released, the Mafia franchise has released two additional full installments. Mafia 2 hit shelves in 2010 before Mafia 3 was released in 2016 which turned La Cosa Nostra into the main antagonist. A remastered version of Mafia 2, titled Mafia 2: Definitive Edition was released in 2020 as was Mafia: Definitive Edition. Recent layoffs at Mafia studio Hanger 13 have had fans worried that the franchise may be in trouble, but now it appears that 2K isn't ready to let the franchise die.
Earlier today, it was officially announced that a new Mafia game was in development from Hanger 13. Past rumors have suggested that the game is a prequel set in Italy before La Cosa Nostra became a force to be reckoned with in the United States, but nothing definitive has been officially revealed. For the time being, fans will have to be content with the first three Mafia games and will soon be able to get the first installment for free.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
