Featured Image Credit: 2K Games
Topics: 2K Games
Recent job listings from Mafia developer Hangar 13 seemingly confirm that Mafia 4 will include multiplayer modes, along with a number of other additions.
Hangar 13 shared new job opportunities via their LinkedIn page, which have offered some insight into what to expect of the latest instalment of the Mafia series, which is currently in development using Unreal Engine 5.
What’s most interesting is a job opening for a Senior Systems Designer at Hangar 13's mother studio, which is where Mafia 4 is currently under development. The job description clearly states “Experience with AAA titles, multiplayer games and/or live game design experience preferred" meaning it’s basically guaranteed that Mafia 4 will include some kind of multiplayer element.
Advert
How the multiplayer will be implemented will be another question, with many theorising that it could involve an open and interactive online multiplayer, similar to GTA Online, whereas some believe it could simply be a cooperative story.
However, that's not the only revelation to come from the studio’s LinkedIn page. Another two openings for Principal Designer AI and Lead AI Designer have hinted at some of the major gameplay changes we can expect when it’s revealed/released.
The job details are as follows:
"Work closely with the AI Lead and relevant stakeholders to ensure delivery of engaging Stealth and Combat gameplay loops. Hands-on design and development of our combat and non-combat NPCs"
"Design new archetypes that fit the vision of a Mafia game. All the way from creative and technical design prototypes to enemy behaviours and abilities"
"Ensure that players can understand AI intention and plan their combat accordingly"
Stealth combat was an option added in Mafia 3, but faced a lot of criticism for being too simple compared to the way it was implemented into other games.
Needless to say the future of Mafia 4 certainly looks interesting, albeit very distant as there hasn’t even been an official trailer, and we’re likely very far away from a reveal. Despite that, it’ll be interesting to see the direction they take with the next game, especially amongst the steep competition of GTA VI.