Expect some Playboy in your Mafia II

2K Games has announced today that Playboy has signed a licensing agreement for Mafia II that will enable the developer to feature 50 Playboy covers throughout the gaming experience. All 50 magazines can be collected as you progress through the game and will undoubtedly be one of the Trophy awards that you can potentially earn (it has to be, right?).

“While most mob-inspired games’ emphasis is solely on action, Mafia II features a deep and compelling narrative that is embellished with a sophisticated, era-evoking atmosphere,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “In partnering with Playboy, we are able to add a unique element of authenticity to the game by using vintage images from the magazine that illustrate the power of Playboy’s influence on the attitudes and culture of that generation.”

Playboy’s Editorial Director Jimmy Jellinek seems excited about the partnership, “Mafia II is set when Playboy first came into vogue and features characters whose style and attitudes mirror content from our early issues. We’re excited to bring an element of authenticity to the game that is unmatched in the men’s publishing category.”

Perhaps the continued release of information regarding Mafia II will save it from being the one title pushed back into 2011 as reported on last week.

Readers Comments (16)

  1. Mmmmh, just the way I like my games xD. No, seriously: I just hope it serves a greater purpose than just being there.

    Think of MGS4 which featured “dirty” magazines. Those magazines actually improved the gameplay (Creating a diversion or helping relax the tension [strees&psyche]).

  2. lol i like mgs4 dirty magazines XD

    hope its a good game actually, it looks good so far

  3. So, why do they sign a deal to only show the cover and not the whole mags? :]

  4. i think it will fail

  5. Haha, not a bad idea. I doubt that it’s going to end up being a major gameplay element (use them to lure the rival boss’ son out of hiding!), but it’s an awesome detail nonetheless.

  6. Not a terrible idea. They have the perv demographic sold.

  7. lol these pervy wankers!

  8. Moocows111111 March 8, 2010 @ 15:32

    Really, like really? Seriously this is just an excuse to sell the games to horny 13 year olds, I hate it when companies do this, looking at Tomb Raider, Bayonetta, God of War, GTA , MGS, Playboy Mansion (Ps2 title) (Heavy Rain is an exception because they didn’t try to market the nudity in their game). I have nothing against it but it sure seems like they announced this to get some sales from the pervs.

  9. but kojima just liked doing it! also, MGS didnt really market their nudity either, just MGS4 had like what? 3-4 pics of playboy? they werent even nude!

  10. Moocows111111 March 8, 2010 @ 15:46

    lol but MGS4 did it for the lulz Heavy Rain kept it quiet, until the leaked footage, Mgs4 kinda announced it when they were giving a demonstration about it.

  11. God of War? Since when has Sony advertised GOW’s sex minigame?

    “Oh hey! Have sex with 2 virgins in the brand new GOW, now in HD!”

    Most games do it as a fan service, not as a way to appeal 13 year old kids. Besides, it’s their parents fault who buy it, not the kids who see it.

  12. Thinking about it, It might actually have something to do with the game, where you have to do favors to the playboy mag just to get some favors back.

  13. Moocows111111 March 8, 2010 @ 18:13

    “God of War? Since when has Sony advertised GOW’s sex minigame?

    “Oh hey! Have sex with 2 virgins in the brand new GOW, now in HD!”

    Most games do it as a fan service, not as a way to appeal 13 year old kids. Besides, it’s their parents fault who buy it, not the kids who see it.”

    Yeah but a sex minigame in an action adventure? Seriously there has to be something cooking there -.-

  14. @Moocows – I get the feeling that most people that are interested in Mafia II are a little more mature than to be sold purely on the fact that a few vintage Playboys will be in the game. Those that ARE interested in just teh b00bz can easily get more, uh, interesting material on the internet for far cheaper. Like, free.

  15. @moocows11111: but dood, that has nothing to do with getting little teens a riled up and stuff…..like you said, KP does it for the lulz and there isnt any nudity anyways :/

    now the sabotuer on the other hand! they gave you the free “peep show” thingy if you bought the game new….now THAT is selling it

  16. aah what a year so far…. but I feel this news will hardly spike anybody’s interest in Mafia 2, well trailer almost did spiked my interest. this news not so much

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