Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition Launch Triggers Fan Outrage Over Shortened Support

Warner Bros. Games has unveiled and launched Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition, touted as the "most comprehensive version" of the brutal fighting game. However, the release has ignited widespread unease among fans, who worry that NetherRealm has shifted focus away from the game, signaling no further DLC characters or major content updates.

The Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition bundles the core game with previously released downloadable content, including the Khaos Reigns story expansion, Kombat Pack 1, and Kombat Pack 2.

The Definitive Edition also introduces new character skins for Johnny Cage, Kitana, Scorpion, and Shao Khan, drawing inspiration from the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 film, a Mortal Kombat (2021) movie skin for Sub-Zero, and a tournament-themed outfit for Liu Kang.

For fans, the Definitive Edition marks a definitive end to Mortal Kombat 1’s lifecycle. While Warner Bros. is known for releasing definitive and ultimate editions, and NetherRealm titles often receive them, this release carries an air of finality. With no announcements regarding a Kombat Pack 3 or other significant updates, fans suspect the T-1000 guest character, set for release in March 2025, will be the game’s final addition.

If accurate, this is a major letdown for dedicated Mortal Kombat 1 fans who anticipated extended support. Many are referencing a September 2024 tweet from NetherRealm’s development chief, Ed Boon, who sought to calm concerns about the studio moving on by stating: “NetherRealm remains fully committed to supporting Mortal Kombat 1 for years to come.”

“The game’s finished—they’re basically saying, ‘See you in a year or two for another overpriced title stuffed with guest characters!’” one frustrated redditor remarked.

“MK1’s content lifespan is officially shorter than the Texas Chainsaw Massacre game, what a joke,” another commented.

NRS promises Multi year support> support ends after 2 years. every time
byu/AndrewTheSouless inMortalKombat

For context, in July 2021, NetherRealm confirmed it had begun work on its next project (Mortal Kombat 1), ending DLC support for Mortal Kombat 11 just over two years after its launch. No such announcement has been made for Mortal Kombat 1 yet.

Mortal Kombat 1 saw a brief revival in January with the secret Floyd fight, a pink ninja teased by Ed Boon for years, sparking a community-driven surge that reinvigorated the game. However, this was a rare highlight in what has largely been a disappointing release for many loyal fans.

The T-1000 Terminator, included in the Khaos Reigns expansion, marks the final DLC character, following Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, and Conan the Barbarian. Fans have long speculated about a potential Kombat Pack 3 or additional DLC characters, amid doubts about Mortal Kombat 1’s commercial success.

Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company, remains optimistic about the Mortal Kombat franchise. In November, CEO David Zaslav noted that the company intends to focus heavily on just four gaming titles, including Mortal Kombat.

Good job guys
byu/SauloPMB inMortalKombat

Many fans anticipate NetherRealm’s next project will be a third installment in its DC fighting game series, Injustice, though neither NetherRealm nor Warner Bros. has confirmed this. The first title, Injustice: Gods Among Us, debuted in 2013, followed by Injustice 2 in 2017. After releasing Mortal Kombat 11 in 2019, it seemed NetherRealm would alternate between Mortal Kombat and Injustice, but instead, it launched the soft reboot Mortal Kombat 1 in 2023.

In a June 2023 IGN interview, Boon vaguely addressed this shift. “There were several factors, some I can discuss, others I probably shouldn’t,” he said.

Boon cited two reasons: the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact and the team’s decision to upgrade to a newer Unreal game engine (Mortal Kombat 11 used Unreal Engine 3, while Mortal Kombat 1 uses Unreal Engine 4).

“We moved to a new graphics engine, Unreal,” Boon explained. “We prioritized safety during COVID and other challenges. Ultimately, we decided, ‘Let’s make another Mortal Kombat game, and we’ll hopefully return to Injustice later.’”

To clarify, we asked Boon directly if the Injustice series was finished.

“Not at all,” he responded.

What Will Be NetherRealm Studios' Next Game?

Mortal Kombat 2Injustice 3Something else (let us know what in the comments)

AnswerSee Results

Mortal Kombat 1 has sold 5 million copies, with the franchise reaching 100 million units overall. Mortal Kombat 11, the franchise’s best-seller, surpassed Mortal Kombat X’s nearly 11 million units, reaching over 15 million by 2022. In comparison, Mortal Kombat 1’s sales have fallen short of its predecessors.