In a not-so-surprising turn of events, NetherRealm Studios has announced that Mortal Kombat 1 will no longer receive additional DLC expansions or updates, signaling an early end to its post-launch support. Despite initial strong sales, the game’s momentum faded, leading to the cancellation of planned future content.
The decision to stop further Mortal Kombat 1 content comes after the underwhelming performance of the “Khaos Reigns” expansion. Priced at $49.99, the expansion faced appropriate criticism for its cost relative to content, resulting in poor sales and negative reviews. This reception has been a significant factor in the studio’s choice to cancel future updates.
Initially, NetherRealm had plans for a third Kombat Pack and a second story expansion, aiming to extend the game’s lifespan. However, these plans have been scrapped, with the studio confirming that no additional DLC characters or story chapters will be developed. The focus will now shift to its next project, rumored to be in development since 2021.
The cancellation of Mortal Kombat 1 content has left fans disappointed, especially given the game’s initial promise and the inclusion of crossover characters like Omni-Man and Peacemaker. Despite these high-profile additions, the game struggled to maintain player engagement, leading to its early decline.
While Mortal Kombat 1 had blood, guts, and familiar fatalities, it lacked the kind of depth that keeps a fighting game alive post-launch. With Mortal Kombat 1 canceled in terms of future support, it raises questions about how NetherRealm Studios will approach their next move and whether they will finally focus more on mechanics or just more superficial shock factors.
It is a clear sign that gore alone won’t cut it anymore. The players want heart, not just hearts.
While the studio will continue to provide balance updates and technical fixes, the lack of new content is definitely a premature end for Mortal Kombat 1. This development raises questions about the future direction of NetherRealm Studios and the Mortal Kombat franchise. The game is currently available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
