Comparisons between the Mafia and Grand Theft Auto franchises, particularly in the lead-up to new Mafia releases, are largely an "internet thing" and do not influence Hangar 13's development strategy, according to studio president Nick Baynes.
The rivalry between the two series dates back to the early 2000s, when the original Mafia game launched a year after Grand Theft Auto III. The discussion around these comparisons resurfaced with the announcement of Mafia: The Old Country, with developers needing to articulate the distinctions between the games and manage player expectations. Baynes indicated that the studio focuses on its own direction, stating that GTA "genuinely never ever comes up in conversation as a touchpoint or steering our strategy or anything like that."
Baynes suggested that the prevalence of these comparisons is driven by external conversations rather than internal considerations. While the games share themes of crime and feature cars and guns, their fundamental approaches differ significantly. Mafia games are characterized as linear, narrative-driven experiences focused on gritty drama, akin to films like Goodfellas. In contrast, Grand Theft Auto offers a more open-world sandbox environment with an emphasis on player freedom and often satirical commentary on Americana.
Alex Cox, Mafia: The Old Country game director, previously explained that while the franchises were mechanically similar around the time of GTA III and the original Mafia's release, Mafia has increasingly leaned into its linear narrative focus over time. This contrasts with Rockstar's expertise in creating expansive sandbox experiences. The scope and intended player experience also diverge, with Mafia games historically performing best when kept within a more focused scope, as seen with Mafia: The Old Country which was positioned as a $50 title. Grand Theft Auto, particularly with GTA 6, is designed for a much larger scale and longer lifespan, potentially commanding higher prices and offering over a decade of engagement.
Hangar 13 plans to continue forging its own path with the Mafia series, with indications from publisher 2K and Take-Two leadership suggesting Mafia: The Old Country is considered a success. Future installments, like a potential Mafia 5, are likely to emerge, and while comparisons to GTA will likely persist, the development team remains focused on its distinct vision for the franchise.