Ed Boon Reveals How Long NetherRealm’s Next Game Has Been in Development

Ed Boon Reveals How Long NetherRealm's Next Game Has Been in Development

Key Takeaways

  • The next NetherRealm Studios game has been in development for three years, though its details are still being kept under wraps.
  • Fans speculate that it is a new Mortal Kombat game, but some speculate that NetherRealm may be working on new IP or Injustice 3.

As a seasoned Mortal Kombat fan who has witnessed the evolution of this iconic franchise over the past decades, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity regarding NetherRealm Studios’ next project. Three years in development and shrouded in secrecy, it’s like standing on the precipice of Outworld, peering into the unknown.


Ed Boon, the head of NetherRealm Studios, recently spoke about their upcoming project and disclosed the length of time they’ve been working on it. Ever since the launch of Mortal Kombat 1 in 2023, there have been whispers about what NetherRealm Studios might be cooking up next, with many fans speculating a new Mortal Kombat game while secretly hoping for another installment in the Injustice series.

In simple terms, “Mortal Kombat 1” was the twelfth primary installment in the fighting series and the second reboot within the franchise. The story unfolds in a fresh timeline, orchestrated by Liu Kang, where the Fire God gathers a group of combatants to join the tournament named after the Outworld. Game developers NetherRealm have introduced numerous new features for the fighting game, such as the latest “Animality Finisher” for Peacemaker in “Mortal Kombat 1”, transforming the DC antihero into a bald eagle.

Three years ago, I was already privy to what our next project would be, and since then, we’ve been chipping away at it in one form or another. In an interview with ComicBook, I clarified that our approach is to have multiple teams working on two games simultaneously. This allows us to ensure a steady flow of content for fans like myself, while also preparing the groundwork for our future releases. I also shared more insights about the meticulous process we undergo when creating a new game and the careful planning that goes into it.

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NetherRealm Studios’ Ed Boon Discusses Its Next Game

In August, speculations arose about NetherRealm working on a new storyline for the popular game “Mortal Kombat,” following job postings from Warner Bros. Games. But it’s also possible that they are creating a new intellectual property or revisiting the “Injustice” series. Ed Boon, who didn’t disclose any details about the project, seems to be keeping quiet about their next game, and it appears we won’t know its nature until 2025 or 2026.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t stress enough how our creative process begins well before the final stroke on one game. The intricate web of preparation, research, and planning is already in motion by the time we declare a game complete. Contrary to what some might think, it’s not like we take a break after wrapping up a game and then ponder, “Alright, what’s next?” Instead, our minds are always brimming with ideas for the next grand adventure.

During talks about NetherRealm’s upcoming project, Boon reassured fans of Mortal Kombat 1 that the studio remains dedicated to continually updating Mortal Kombat 1 for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, they’re also working on the next venture. Fans of Mortal Kombat can look forward to a wealth of content coming to Mortal Kombat 1, including the latest addition, Year 2’s Khaos Reigns expansion. Moreover, additional DLC characters are expected to join the game soon, such as the T-1000 Terminator and Conan the Barbarian. Lastly, a new Ghostface fatality has been introduced in Mortal Kombat 1, serving as an impressive tribute to the iconic 1996 slasher horror film Scream.

Enthusiasts of gaming and superheroes eagerly anticipate NetherRealm’s upcoming project, which they hope will be “Injustice 3”. Previously, Boon hinted at the continuation of the DC fighting series, expressing his desire to revisit the “Injustice” games. If a third installment is indeed in the works, it could potentially resurrect the well-liked “Injustice” comic book series, which was inspired by the game’s storyline. Such a return would undoubtedly delight fans.

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2024-09-25 14:33