Exciting News! NetherRealm Studios Poised to Announce Their Next Game After Mortal Kombat 1

Fans of fighting games should prepare for some thrilling updates from NetherRealm Studios! Ed Boon, co-creator of the iconic Mortal Kombat series, has hinted that the studio is already prepping its next big title. If past patterns hold true, we might see an official announcement this year!

According to Boon, the development cycle for a new game at NetherRealm typically hovers around two years. The team has already charted its course for their next project while simultaneously supporting Mortal Kombat 1 with additional characters and updates. "We’re planting seeds for the next game," Boon commented, indicating that fans can look forward to what's next.

In a fascinating insight into their development timeline, Boon pointed out that most Mortal Kombat games are created in two years or less. The latest project, Mortal Kombat 1, took about four years due to various factors, including advanced game engine challenges and disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Boon emphasized, “I don’t think our goal is to take four years for every game at this point.”

Historically, the studio has followed a successful release schedule since Mortal Kombat 9 launched in 2011, which was succeeded by the first Injustice game two years later. This pattern continued, with a new major fighting game being unveiled every two years—until Mortal Kombat 1, which marked an exception.

The ties between NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. are flourishing, with the latter recently earmarking Mortal Kombat as one of their major franchises. Furthermore, influential figures like James Gunn and Peter Safran from DC Studios have expressed their collaboration intentions with NetherRealm regarding DC characters and future projects. Gunn remarked on meeting with the team to explore possible character designs and story directions.

While there may be a wait before games featuring DC’s famous heroes like Batman and Superman emerge, there’s buzz that could point towards a potential new Injustice game in the making. Boon himself has expressed caution around brand fatigue due to previous oversaturation of the Mortal Kombat franchise.

Reflecting on past experiences, he recalled a period of intense releases where the franchise may have felt "overexposed." However, after taking a break, fans were eager for new content: “...and then people said, 'Where’s my next Mortal Kombat game?'”

So, what’s next for NetherRealm Studios? The creative team has been known to sow the seeds for their upcoming projects subtly, and many are eagerly awaiting their next announcement. With Mortal Kombat 1 having just launched in September 2023, the timing for new news seems ripe. Keep your eyes peeled—exciting developments could be just around the corner!