Warner Bros and NetherRealm Studios has introduced the Mortal Kombat 1 Definitive Version, which is able to comprise all of the DLC characters, new film skins, “and extra”. This newly packaged model of the gory fighter is accessible now, and presents an opportunity for folk to hop in with all of the content material. However this information has been met with an intense adverse response, and stands out as particularly dire given the current Warner Bros quarterly monetary report.
This definitive version, which is able to greater than doubtless be the ultimate model of the sport, comes solely two years after its launch again in 2023. Definitive does actually imply the top of one thing, in spite of everything. The sport has bought, so far as we all know, at least 5 million copies and stays a excessive ranker on month-to-month downloads on consoles, a fact recently highlighted by Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon. All this feels like nice information proper? It’s, however extra context paints a extra sophisticated image.
Whereas Mortal Kombat 1’s 5 million gross sales determine sounds fantastic, Mortal Kombat X sold more than 12 million copies in its life, whereas Mortal Kombat 11 – the very best seeling MK ever – broke the 15 million sales milestone. As such, Mortal Kombat 1’s gross sales efficiency appears considerably smaller than previous releases would lead you to anticipate.
Within the Warner Bros Q1 2025 financial report, the corporate highlighted a 48% lower in income from its gaming division in comparison with final yr. This was attributed to final yr’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (which underperformed), and final yr’s larger carry-over from Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat 1.
Why that is significantly irritating for a portion of followers is that this definitive version marks an finish to a brief life for Mortal Kombat 1. In September of final yr, Ed Boon went on Twitter to state that the staff had not begun work on NetherRealm’s subsequent recreation, and “NetherRealm continues to be absolutely dedicated to supporting Mortal Kombat 1 for a very long time to come back.” To offer Mr Boon a break, if Warner Bros needs NetherRealm to maneuver onto a brand new recreation, that is not precisely his name. I am positive he and the staff can be cool engaged on Mortal Kombat 1 for years if they may. However given this assertion, you have to marvel how far we’re from NetherRealm’s subsequent recreation if it is had solely eight months to work on it.
Nevertheless it’s a bummer for Mortal Kombat followers! It feels as if a recreation that is performing fairly properly in comparison with different preventing video games (albeit not prior MKs) is doubtlessly getting the DLC rug pulled from beneath it. The aggressive scene will now be left with a closing model, kinda hampering its potential to develop, and it will fade out from folks’s minds as they anticipate Mortal Kombat 2 or Injustice 3, or what have you ever.
Until in fact they do proceed to launch DLC, regardless of calling it the definitive version. Which… That may be wild, however you by no means know.
So yeah, spare a thought for the NetherRealm staff, and tell us what you’d prefer to see from NetherRealm beneath!