Mafia: The Old Country – Too short or just right? Hangar 13 surprises with its runtime.

Lukas Author 2026
By
Lukas Neumann
As Niklas's "Padawan," Lukas Neumann accompanies the PlayStation ecosystem at PlayFront. He critically examines graphical excesses and AAA budgets to provide an honest perspective on current gameplay concepts and the...
3 MinRead

According to the developers, Mafia: The Old Country is not supposed to be a short game, but how long is it really? We offer a realistic assessment of the playtime.

When a mafia game returns, many fans aren't just concerned with the story, presentation, or level of violence, but also with the game's length. How long will I be sneaking through the alleys of the old empire, uncovering conspiracies and revealing family secrets? Mafia: The Old Country It's a prequel, but also a step backwards in terms of playtime?

No concrete figures, but hints from the developers.

The developer has officially remained silent on a specific figure. However, in conversation with IGN Nick Baynes of Hangar 13 at least hinted at something that shouldn't be expected: "It's definitely not a three-hour game.""That's what the game director said. We didn't focus on price or scope, but wanted to offer an 'AAA feeling' with a dense world, strong atmosphere, and sufficient depth. Not a playground full of filler, but a focused experience."

That sounds promising, but how long is the game actually?

10 to 13 hours: What previews report

While 2K itself remains reserved, the first international media outlets are reporting (via X) from internal test runs. The Czech website Vortex.cz cites specific figures: around 10,5 hours for the main story, with side quests bringing the total playtime to approximately 13 hours. This puts it Mafia: The Old Country Clearly below most open-world behemoths, but also above a compact "one-sitting" title.

It should be emphasized that the game is not a classic open-world game with free exploration like Mafia II Instead, it relies on a more scripted story experience in the style of the first game. Mafia, which automatically means a more compact frame.

What does that mean for us players?

Those expecting to wander the city for weeks on end might be disappointed. But those hoping for a focused, tightly paced mafia experience – exactly what made the first installment so special – will likely find exactly what they're looking for here. Especially in a time when many games seem overloaded with content, a well-told, tightly paced adventure can be refreshingly original.

If the pacing is right and the story is compelling, 10-13 hours is perfectly fine, perhaps even ideal. So the question isn't how long the game is, but how much it accomplishes in that time.

What do you think: Is this playtime enough for you, or do you expect more content from a mafia game?

GTA Pre-Order Release
Share This Article

Community Talk

Subscribe
Notify me
3 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Flo's
14. August 2025 12: 41

I've only played for a few hours, and 60 percent of the game is already over. The graphics are great, and the story is well told. But unfortunately, you can't lose yourself in the worlds and relive countless missions. Therefore, compared to the Definitive Edition, it's a clear disappointment for me. A real shame.

Chanjo
5. August 2025 18: 25

I only paid around €42 for the PS5 version at Saturn. The Pro benefits from its power, right? I'm still debating whether to pick it up. The price is good, but the fact that the game doesn't really have a true open world isn't.

Crydog
5. August 2025 12: 29

It's fine for the price; if the game cost €80, the situation would be different, of course.

The Trends

GTA 6 on Netflix: Why the new extended look is not an ordinary trailer

Rockstar shows 20 minutes of GTA 6 first on Netflix. Take-Two boss Zelnick speaks…

PlayStation Store Summer Sale: Last chance to get the top bestsellers

The PS Store Summer Sale 2026 ends on August 12th: Get yours now…

PlayStation Direct is now also warning of the end of discs in 2028.

Sony will completely discontinue physical PS5 discs starting in January 2028. This was announced in PlayStation Direct…