Mortal Kombat 1launched with high expectations as a title that was promised to feature years of content ahead of its initial release, but recent leaks have indicated that it may not live up to that in the end. While it was billed as a clean slate reboot with an ambitious future to be made through live service offerings, the latest installment in the top-selling fighting game series has been met with notable mixed reception in recent months. Now it’s unknown ifMortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reignswill end up being the final major content release, and the possible lack of commitment to the game is disappointing news for players.
In a claim made in a Reddit comment that is still not yet officially confirmed by NetherRealm Studios, a reputable leaker stated that theMortal Kombat 1Year 3 DLC has been canceled. If the next project is already NetherRealm’s priority, rather than expanding on what was meant to be anMKgame that could last for years, that’d be a stark contrast to the scale of the franchise’s success.
Scrapped DLC Rumors Point Towards Warner Bros. Discovery Cutting Its Losses After Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns
The Supposed Underperformance of MK1’s Story Content Release
If the plans to keep upMortal Kombat 1’s DLC roadmap following the current year have really been scrapped, then this is likely due to a lack of DLC sales. After being marketed as a major drop that could bring narrative excitement to the table, Khaos Reigns has reportedly not met financial expectations, according to the rumors. The bold move to price the expansion at US$50 seemingly demonstrates that WBD was projecting it to be a profitable endeavor, but thelackluster release ofMortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reignshas fallen short of earning widespread acclaim.
Fighting Game Contemporaries Have Begun to Cast a Shadow Over Mortal Kombat
With heavy hitters likeStreet Fighter 6andTGA nomineeTekken 8consistently boasting higher average player counters and tournament entrants thanMK1, the cancelation rumors do feel like they have some weight, even if they should still be taken with some skepticism. This situation may have proved that the franchise is shifting toward business interest over addressing fan feedback, as it might be profitable to have new games quickly pushed out instead of sticking to one release for an extended period.
Quickly Moving on From Mortal Kombat 1 Would Mark the Return of NetherRealm Studios' Two-Year Cycle
Fans Were Expecting MK1 To Be Supported For Years to Come
After the back-to-back nature ofInjustice 2andMK11gave NRS a reputation for prioritizing fast turnover, theextended development time ofMortal Kombat 1provided new hope for a future based on quality over quantity. The idea that it could be left behind after barely making it past its first anniversary is especially surprising, as this directly contradicts official statements. Following rumors of a new game in development, Ed Boon reaffirmed a dedication to the current release:
It’s understandable that this apparent change in attitude could cause players to be frustrated about the game’s future, but it’s alleged that NRS itself had no intentions of ceasing development on new DLC. Upper management appears to be responsible for this decision, according to the leaker onr/Mortalkombatleaks, as the team was preparing to add more story content and six characters.
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns
WHERE TO PLAY
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reignsexpands Liu Kang’s New Era with a new story campaign and an all-new cinematic experience. Discover how Liu Kang rallies his champions and puts faith in his enemies as he battles the ruthless Titan Havik, who threatens to plunge the realms into khaos. If they fail, the New Era will be reduced to anarchy.DISCOVER NEW ORIGINSMortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reignsfeatures reimagined stories and gameplay for Klassic Kombatants Noob Saibot, Cyrax, and Sektor, while also welcoming new faces to the Mortal Kombat universe—Ghostface, T-1000, and Conan the Barbarian.ANIMALITIESAnimalities return as a free content update for all Mortal Kombat 1 owners. Morph into your favorite kombatant’s spirit animal to annihilate your defeated opponent.NEW KONTENT, MORE VALUEThe best value for Mortal Kombat 1 is now available! Jumpstart your journey with the Kollection Edition. Includes access to the Base Game, Kombat Pack, Story Expansion, and Kombat Pack 2 (Guest fighters release date TBA)* KOMBAT PACK 2 NOT AVAILABLE SEPARATELY
