Even though Mafia 4 has not been released, and it is very far from being ready, Hangar 13 is already thinking about Mafia 5. Problem, many developers have recently been fired from the studio.
Hangar 13 has some ideas and wants to relaunch the Mafia series with great fanfare. But the studio would also be on a reboot of Top Spin, even as many developers are subject to layoffs.
Lots of projects in the pipeline for Hangar 13
Despite a canceled 53 million dollar game, the Hangar 13 studio is not giving up and would have gotten into the saddle with Mafia 4. A project under Unreal Engine 5 which would act as a prequel to the trilogy… but which would be far, even very far, from coming out. Count in a few years, so obviously the plan goes off without a hitch.
Yet, according to an article by Jason Schreier for Bloombergthe new boss of Hangar 13 has let his teams know that he hopes to have the green light to start the development of Mafia 5. After the fourth opus is available? No, in parallel, and this so that the developers can continue without there being too long a floating period. But will 2K Games accept to take such a risk after the failure of the previous project?
According to Kotaku, a second Hangar 13 team would be on Top Spin 5 or rather a reboot of the franchise. Beautiful projects that contrast with the heavy atmosphere of the studio due to layoffs.
Major layoffs
For many developers, this is not the time to celebrate. Indeed, in the Novato-based studio Hangar 13, just under 50 employees have reportedly been fired. As a result, there would only be around 37 employees left compared to more than 100 at the launch of Mafia 3.
In a statement to Kotaku, a 2K spokesperson indicates that the company is doing its best to relocate the victims of these removals, or if necessary, to help them connect with other structures in the industry. so that they can get a job elsewhere.