There are lots of mafia-related games and simulations available, on the web, in mobile apps, and in console games. While many are fun and entertaining, we have yet to find one that really captures the feel of mob life. So, we set out to create that experience ourselves.
Many online sims brag about having millions of active players. While this may sound great, it’s actually one of the major reasons these simulations fail to mirror the reality of life in the mafia. One of the first design choices we made at La Vita Nostra was to strictly limit the number of active players in each instance of the simulation to 2,500. This allows for roughly 100 “made men” in each of 5 crime families. The remaining players are associates or wanna-bes. This limited number of players will operate in a city of several million virtual citizens, including citizens, businesses, politicians, police — everything you would expect to find in a city full of underworld opportunity!
Another enormous failing point in typical mob sims is the ability to get whacked and simply start over, or worse yet just magically re-spawn right where you left off! We wanted to create a virtual world in which you live a life. And, unfortunately, that means your character’s life may potentially end one day! Get yourself whacked in La Vita Nostra, and that’s it. You’re done. No do-overs, no multiple lives. No amount of prayer or bribery will bring you back. La Vita Nostra is not just a game, it’s a life. And you only get one.
One of the biggest elements missing from the typical mafia game is motivation…. the almighty dollar! Greed is what runs the real world mob. Wiseguys are driven by greed to pursue scores and fight their way to the top. La Vita Nostra addresses the need for this motivation very simply. With cash. Real cash. Become a made guy and you’ll no longer pay monthly subscription dues. Become a caporegime and you’ll start getting paid. Receive real money deposited to your real bank account! Prize money for captains ranges from $50 to $200 a month. And, of course, if you make it all the way to the top of your family and become boss, you’ll get even more! As a boss, you’ll receive between $500 and $2000 a month! But how long can you stay on top, when every other mobster in La Vita Nostra wants to take it all away from you?