The daughter of a Sicilian journalist who was killed by the Mafia has called on the European Commission to ban 2K Games’ Mafia II, released in August.

Sonia Alfano, a member of the European Parliament and president of Italy’s association for the families of Mafia victims told Bloomberg, “These games transform the Mafia, a reality of death and destruction, into a thrilling and hands-on virtual pastime.

“Even if momentarily, players identify with brutal killers and for us who have experienced violence firsthand, it's appalling.

“It really, really hurts. We can't allow this to happen, our wounds are still too fresh.”

Alan Lewis, vice president of communications at publisher Take-Two, responded saying, “Mafia II tells a compelling story about organized crime in America - a subject that for decades has been featured in award-winning movies, television shows and novels such as The Godfather and The Sopranos.

"We fully and completely stand behind our creative teams and products, including Mafia II.”