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Eurogamer's review of Mafia: The Old Country delayed

Eurogamer will miss its scheduled review due to the late access of review codes.

August 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
blur Where's our Mafia: The Old Country review?

Eurogamer reveals the postponement of its review for Mafia: The Old Country due to late access.

Eurogamer delays review of Mafia: The Old Country

Eurogamer announced that they will not have a review for Mafia: The Old Country at its launch, as they did not receive advanced review code from the publisher, 2K Games. The team emphasized that they respect the publisher's discretion in deciding how and when to distribute review codes. They likened this situation to previous instances involving other big game launches like Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man's Sky, where early access was limited. While the review is delayed, Eurogamer encourages readers to check out the game’s PC specifications and previous Mafia entries in the meantime.

Key Takeaways

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Eurogamer will not review Mafia: The Old Country at launch due to late code access.
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The publisher's control over review timing could impact public perception.
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This is a recurring issue among major game launches.
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Limited early access can frustrate both gamers and reviewers.
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Transparency in review access is vital for trust in the gaming industry.
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Exploration of previous Mafia games remains available for eager fans.

"We are absolutely not entitled to early code."

Eurogamer emphasizes their respect for the publisher's control over review code distribution.

"This has happened before with games like Cyberpunk 2077."

Eurogamer compares the current situation to previous high-profile game releases that faced similar issues.

"Maintaining trust with critics is critical for long-term success."

The delay in reviews poses challenges for publishers aiming to foster good relationships with media.

The decision by 2K Games to withhold advanced review codes raises questions about the transparency and strategy behind their game launches. By controlling the release of reviews, publishers can manage public perception and potentially steer conversations about their titles. However, this tactic may alienate gaming publications that rely on timely reviews for audience engagement. As the gaming market becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining trust with both critics and consumers is critical for long-term success.

Highlights

  • Delayed reviews can change the narrative before a game's launch.
  • Lack of transparency can build skepticism around big releases.
  • Holding back review codes may frustrate dedicated fans.
  • Trust in gaming publishers hinges on review access.

Concerns over review access transparency

The absence of early review codes for Mafia: The Old Country may lead to speculation and mistrust among gamers and industry critics.

The gaming community eagerly anticipates Eurogamer's insights once the review can be published.

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