We’re sure that if you like Mortal Kombat, you’re just as excited as us! NetherRealm Studios’ CEO Ed Boon just confirmed a new Mortal Kombat game is in the works. Boon confirms in his Collider interview that they are making a new Mortal Kombat game. 

He notes that there are other Mortal Kombat projects across different media. NetherRealm is at a very important time with this news. Fans are more excited to see just what’s in store for the Mortal Kombat franchise.

A New Mortal Kombat Game is Definitely Happening

A group shot of various Mortal Kombat 1 characters, including Liu Kang, Sub-Zero, and Kitana, standing in front of red autumn leaves. The words "MORTAL KOMBAT" are overlaid with a large, flaming "2" in the center.

Mortal Kombat 2 Concept Art. Image Credit: GameRant

As a soft reboot, Mortal Kombat 1 launched in 2023, but Ed Boon has since been pretty adamant that it’s not over. Moving forward, Boon explained they are certainly looking forward to making another Mortal Kombat title, as “Mortal Kombat” is the lifeblood of the studio.

Timeline remains the biggest mystery. NetherRealm had a history of following Mortal Kombat with an Injustice launch. As a result, there are rumors that Injustice 3 is in development and will launch later this year. 

Harley Quinn, depicted in her modern Injustice era gear, remains a central figure in the series' narrative of redemption.

Injustice 3 Teaser. Image Credit: EuroGamer

However, we’ve seen a change from this historical launch pattern. NetherRealm released Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) after Mortal Kombat 11 (2019). With Boon’s latest statement it isn’t a matter of whether or not another MK game is coming anymore, but when.

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What To Expect from the Next Mortal Kombat

The next Mortal Kombat faces a community at a crossroads. The divisive nature of Mortal Kombat 1 has left fans wondering if the studio will:

  • Keep or Scrap Kameos: While some players liked the assist-based gameplay. Many others disliked it. Will it remain? Or will we return to traditional 1v1 combat? 
  • Story: Will the story continue from Liu Kang’s new era? Will the new game add a new timeline?
  • Live Service Model: After the backlash regarding the short lifecycle of MK1’s DLC, fans will be looking for a more robust post-launch roadmap.

Whatever the case, Ed Boon’s confirmation ensures that NetherRealm is busier than ever. Between the potential return of the DC Universe in Injustice 3 and the guaranteed return of the Fatality, the next few years look bright for fighting game enthusiasts.

Expanding Mortal Kombat Beyond Gaming

In addition to the game, Boon mentioned that there are “a lot of parts on the stove,” referring to the studio’s area of focus not being just video games. Mortal Kombat 2 is coming to theaters this week. 

The Mortal Kombat 2 live-action film is set to hit theaters this week, expanding the franchise beyond gaming.

Mortal Kombat 2 Movie Poster. Image Credit: Wikipedia

So NetherRealm’s trajectory seems to be heavily geared towards pushing content out through different media. Boon said that ‘great announcements are coming,’ which should indicate that the studio is set for a big marketing push in the near future.

From hints, there could be animated shows or further spin-offs in live-action, or even comic book spin-offs to fill in the voids between game launches. 

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A Big Future for Fighting Games

Fighting games are on the rise once again! Besides Mortal Kombat, we have Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 pushing the boundaries of the niche. With Boon’s confirmation, Mortal Kombat will remain a major part of that scene. 

Now we know that the Kombat is far from complete, whether it’s before or after a potential Injustice 3 or not. Hopefully, fans will get a chance to see an official reveal and trailer for now. A new era in Mortal Kombat has already started.