Kombat Kontinues! NetherRealm Forges Ahead: MK1 Support Concludes as Studio Prepares for Ambitious Next Chapter

Get ready, fight fans! While the current era of Mortal Kombat 1 is drawing to a close for new content, the legendary NetherRealm Studios is already gearing up for its next big adventure, promising to pour its full creative might into an exciting new project.

Warner Bros. recently confirmed that following the launch of Mortal Kombat 1’s Definitive Edition, the development of new DLC characters and story chapters for the game will conclude. In a message to the community, the team shared their vision: “Our team at NetherRealm needs to shift focus to the next project in order to make it as great as we possibly can.”

This strategic move signals a bright future, with NetherRealm dedicating its resources to crafting another top-tier gaming experience. While the studio is keeping tight-lipped about the specifics, fervent speculation points towards Injustice 3, a potential new installment in their critically acclaimed DC fighting game series.

Mortal Kombat 1 itself has made a significant mark, selling an impressive 5 million copies and contributing to the franchise’s monumental 100 million units sold overall. The game’s final major content update, the T-1000 guest character, arrived in March 2025, capping off a strong run that began a year and a half prior. This transition allows the studio to channel its full energy into what’s next, similar to how development for Mortal Kombat 1 began after Mortal Kombat 11’s successful two-year-plus support cycle, a game which itself sold over 15 million copies worldwide.

NetherRealm acknowledged that fans might have hoped for more MK1 content, especially given past enthusiasm from figures like development chief Ed Boon. However, this pivot underscores the studio’s commitment to innovation and delivering polished, blockbuster experiences. The community’s passion, recently reignited by the discovery of the secret Floyd ninja fight, demonstrates the vibrant engagement NetherRealm aims to foster with its upcoming titles.

And fear not, the Mortal Kombat universe is far from finished! Parent company Warner Bros. Discovery has highlighted Mortal Kombat as one of its four key gaming franchises, indicating robust, long-term support. Plus, the cinematic universe expands with the Mortal Kombat 2 movie set for release later this year.

So, while the final bell has rung for new Mortal Kombat 1 DLC, the fight is far from over. NetherRealm Studios is embarking on a new quest, and the broader Mortal Kombat saga continues to thrive, promising a future packed with thrilling battles and epic storytelling. The best is yet to come!