Hangar 13 dismisses Mafia vs. GTA rivalry

Hangar 13 president Nick Baynes has dismissed the perceived rivalry between the Mafia franchise and Grand Theft Auto (GTA), describing the comparisons as “an internet thing” that does not influence the studio’s creative or commercial decisions.

Baynes stated that GTA is never used as a reference point for the studio’s strategy or direction. While both series share themes of crime, firearms, and automobiles, the developers emphasize that their design philosophies have diverged significantly over time.

The Mafia series focuses on linear, narrative-driven experiences with a dark, realistic tone similar to crime dramas. In contrast, the Grand Theft Auto franchise emphasizes sandbox gameplay and player-driven chaos within expansive open worlds. This distinction is particularly relevant for the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, which maintains a more focused and compact narrative structure rather than a traditional massive open world.