Mortal Kombat games future looks uncertain as development team faces Layoffs

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As a long-time fan of Mortal Kombat and someone who has followed the franchise’s development closely, I am deeply saddened by the recent news of NetherRealm Studios shutting down and the mass layoffs that have affected its talented team. I’ve been excitedly anticipating new Mortal Kombat games, and the thought of an uncertain future for the beloved series is disheartening.

I was disappointed to learn yet again of layoffs in the gaming industry. This time, it’s NetherRealm Studios, a US developer known for creating the Mortal Kombat series, that has reportedly closed its doors and let go of all its employees. The future of this beloved franchise is now uncertain.

Mortal Kombat franchise needed a healthy revival but is now without a developer

Tony Lazzara, who works as a Quality Assurance Analyst and Software Developer at NetherRealm, announced on LinkedIn that their mobile team has been closed down. This unfortunate event affects many skilled individuals, including Tony himself. The team had previously produced popular games such as Mortal Kombat Mobile, Injustice 2, and Mortal Kombat Onslaught.

A different source with prior experience at the firm has also verified the information. Elaborating further, animator Elizabeth Ramirez – who had worked there for approximately a decade – disclosed that she too was let go. According to multiple reports, this Warner Bros. Games subsidiary has terminated the employment of at least 50 staff members recently. As a result of these layoffs, there is growing uncertainty regarding the future development of Mortal Kombat titles.

Over the years, NetherRealm Studios has demonstrated their ability to bring their games to various platforms, including mobile, with notable success. However, the most recent Mortal Kombat installment they launched on mobile, titled “Onslaught,” did not leave a lasting impression and could have encountered some challenges following its release.

Warner Bros.’ once profitable Mortal Kombat series has been underperforming lately, which may have influenced their choice to disband the development team. Despite earlier statements about prioritizing mobile and free-to-play games in March, this announcement raises questions regarding those plans.

At present, Mortal Kombat’s franchise seems uncertain with no definite plans in sight. The game series could greatly benefit from a fresh start on an innovative project. However, the outlook for Mortal Kombat’s future is currently unclear. Warner Bros has the power to rectify this situation, and it’s hoped that a skilled developer will take up the challenge to continue the legacy.

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2024-07-19 15:11