Hangar 13

Lore & Background

Hangar 13 was established by 2K to take over development of the Mafia series, following the decline of the original Czech studio, 2K Czech. The game introduced a new protagonist, Lincoln Clay, a mixed-race Vietnam veteran seeking revenge against the Italian Mafia. The studio faced challenges during development, including a reported troubled production cycle and the departure of key staff. Despite mixed critical reception, Mafia III achieved strong commercial success, selling over 5 million copies within its first year. Hangar 13 later developed the Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020), a remake of the first Mafia game, which was more favorably received. The studio has also been involved in supporting other 2K titles, though its primary identity remains tied to the Mafia franchise.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered the cracked asphalt of New Bordeaux's French Ward. In a cramped office above a jazz club, a young designer stared at a monitor displaying a rough model of Lincoln Clay. The team had been debating the protagonist's backstory for weeks—should he be a former soldier or a career criminal? The decision to make him a Vietnam vet felt right, a way to explore the city's racial tensions. Outside, the neon sign flickered, casting a red glow across the desk. The designer saved the file and leaned back, knowing this would change the Mafia series forever.

Reader's Guide

Hangar 13 was founded in 2014 by 2K to consolidate development of the Mafia series. The studio's debut title, Mafia III, was released in October 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. The game was developed using a modified version of the Mafia II engine. Reception was mixed: critics praised the narrative and setting but criticized repetitive mission structure and technical issues. Despite this, Mafia III sold over 5 million copies by early 2017. This title received more positive reviews, with praise for its updated visuals and storytelling. The studio has since announced work on a new IP, though no release date has been confirmed. Hangar 13's legacy is defined by its ambitious but flawed entries in the Mafia franchise.

Did You Know?

• Hangar 13's name is not a direct nod to a fictional hangar in the original Mafia game; in fact, Tommy Angelo first meets Sam and Paulie at a bar called 'The Red Dragon,' not a hangar.
• Hangar 13's development team included former members of LucasArts and other major studios, bringing experience from titles like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and the original Mafia.
• The studio's logo features a stylized hangar door, reflecting its name and connection to aviation, with the door's shape subtly evoking the letter 'H'.