NetherRealm Studios legend Ed Boon has officially confirmed that another Mortal Kombat game is currently in development. This news comes amidst a wave of intense speculation suggesting that the studio's next major project could be the highly anticipated Injustice 3.
Ed Boon Teases New Mortal Kombat and Beyond
While fans have been waiting for concrete details, Boon recently spoke with Collider to provide a glimpse into the studio's future. While promoting the theatrical release of Mortal Kombat 2, the developer dropped several hints about what is currently in the pipeline.
"We're definitely pursuing another Mortal Kombat game, and we're definitely doing more, as well, so there are a lot of parts on the stove, not just with games, though, with other forms of media and whatnot," Boon stated. He added that fans should stay tuned, noting, "So, we’ve got a lot of great announcements that are coming."
The confirmation of another Mortal Kombat game is particularly interesting given the studio's recent history:
- In 2021, NetherRealm reportedly decided on its next project.
- Despite early commitments to support Mortal Kombat 1, Warner Bros. Games later halted new DLC and story chapters for the title.
- The studio's focus has shifted toward expanding into "other forms of media" alongside core gaming titles.
The Injustice 3 Rumors and NetherRealm's Future
Speculation regarding Injustice 3 continues to swirl throughout the fighting game community. For years, a pattern emerged where NetherRealm would alternate between the Mortal Kombat and Injustice franchises. However, the release of the Mortal Kombat 1 soft reboot in 2023 broke that cycle, leaving fans wondering if the DC superhero epic is next on the horizon.
The commercial success of the franchise remains a massive factor in these development decisions. To put recent performance into perspective:
- Mortal Kombat 11 achieved roughly 15 million copies sold as of 2022.
- Mortal Kombat 1 has reached 8 million copies sold as of 2023.
As NetherRealm prepares for its next chapter, several big questions remain for the Mortal Kombat community. Will the studio retain the Kameo Fighters mechanic that defined the latest entry, or will they pivot to a new gameplay loop? Furthermore, with the series already navigating a soft reboot, fans are left wondering if the next installment will carry the title Mortal Kombat 2 or attempt an entirely different direction.