NetherRealm Studios (NRS) recently confirmed that Mortal Kombat 1 will no longer receive additional DLC. So, what’s next?
Less than two years into Mortal Kombat 1's lifespan, developer NetherRealm Studios has confirmed that no additional DLC will launch for the game. Fans are rightfully up in arms, considering Mortal Kombat co-creator and creative lead Ed Boon and others said the game would receive support for multiple years.
Unfortunately, following a similar pattern to 2019's Mortal Kombat 11, the game received just two Kombat Packs, totaling 12 characters and 6 Kameos. With NRS moving on to whatever might be next, it's worth wondering: What is next?
The end of Mortal Kombat 1
A social media post that many feared but also expected arrived on May 23, following the release of Mortal Kombat 1's "Definitive Edition." The writing was on the wall that this signaled the end of any potential DLC for the game, which the studio then confirmed via a post on X.
"We are hearing players’ requests for continued game support of Mortal Kombat 1, and, while we will continue to support Mortal Kombat 1 through balance adjustments and fixes, there will not be additional DLC characters or story chapters released from this point on."
Diehard Mortal Kombat fans, whether they enjoyed the game or not, did not take kindly to the announcement. However, some commended the developers for recognizing the noise and at least confirming that no additional characters or content were in the works.
Despite Mortal Kombat 1 performing well from a sales perspective, the vast majority of fans believe this was a Warner Bros. decision rather than an NRS decision. A follow-up post confirmed that NetherRealm needed to shit focus to the next project.
This has become a subject for speculation, with fans wondering what NRS's next game will be.
Related articles
Is NetherRealm working on Mortal Kombat 2/13 or Injustice 3?
With Mortal Kombat 1 DLC no longer happening, players are questioning what's next for NRS and the franchise. Notable fighting game creator Maximilian Dood believes the Mortal Kombat series could use a break.
"These devs need a break. They need a break from MK. They need an opportunity to reevaluate things and look at something so they can grow and have a fresh perspective going into another Mortal Kombat game," he said.
While NetherRealm and Warner Bros. have not confirmed what is next, WB's social media presence has led many to believe it's Injustice 3. Two days before confirming Mortal Kombat 1 DLC is done and dusted, the Warner Bros. Games UK & Ireland X account began posting about Injustice 2.
Although not the most convincing evidence, NetherRealm's other flagship franchise could be the next to receive a sequel. Eight years have passed since Injustice 2, and it seems like the most logical step. This summer's Superman reboot film could be the catalyst.
We won't know for sure until NetherRealm drops that intel, but it seems highly likely that the Mortal Kombat franchise will hibernate for some time.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more gaming and esports news!
