Rumors swirl that NetherRealm Studios has axed future DLC plans for Mortal Kombat 1, following a lukewarm reception to its latest expansion, “Khaos Reigns.” The news, if true, comes as a blow to fans who were expecting more content for the recently rebooted fighting game.
The fighting game community is abuzz with speculation about the future of Mortal Kombat 1’s DLC. This chatter began in late November 2024, when a Reddit user known as _FateUnknown_, who has a history of leaking accurate information about Mortal Kombat content, claimed that Warner Bros. Games had decided to cancel all further DLC development for the title. This alleged cancellation includes a planned third Kombat Pack of characters and a second story expansion. The reported reason? Disappointing sales of the “Khaos Reigns” expansion, which launched in September 2024.
“Khaos Reigns” was a significant DLC release for Mortal Kombat 1, adding a new story chapter and a second Kombat Pack featuring new playable characters. Priced at $49.99/£39.99, the expansion aimed to build on the base game’s narrative and expand the roster with fresh faces. However, it seems the DLC failed to resonate with players, with many criticizing its short length, high price point, and perceived lack of substantial content.
This isn’t the first time a Mortal Kombat game has faced DLC controversy. Longtime fans of the franchise might remember the backlash against Mortal Kombat X’s “Kombat Pack 2,” which included characters like the Xenomorph from Alien and Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. These guest characters, while novel, were seen by some as a departure from the series’ core identity. However, despite the criticism, there were no reports of Kombat Pack 2 underperforming commercially, and the game continued to receive support with the “XL” edition, which included all DLC.
So, what makes the “Khaos Reigns” situation different?
Firstly, the gaming landscape has changed significantly since Mortal Kombat X’s release in 2015. Players are increasingly discerning about DLC practices, especially with the rise of free-to-play models and games-as-a-service. A $50 price tag for a story expansion and a handful of characters is a tough sell, particularly when the base game itself launched at a premium $70 price point.
Secondly, “Khaos Reigns” seemingly failed to deliver on the narrative front. Mortal Kombat has always had a dedicated fanbase invested in its lore and characters, and “Khaos Reigns” was expected to expand on the new timeline established in Mortal Kombat 1. However, fan reaction to the story content has been mixed, with criticisms leveled at its pacing, writing, and character development.
The alleged cancellation of future DLC plans raises questions about the future of Mortal Kombat 1 and the franchise as a whole. While NetherRealm Studios has yet to officially confirm or deny these rumors, the silence from both the developer and Warner Bros. Games has only fueled speculation.
What could this mean for Mortal Kombat fans?
- A shift in development focus: NetherRealm Studios is known to alternate between developing Mortal Kombat and Injustice games. This potential cancellation could indicate that the studio is already shifting resources towards their next project, possibly Injustice 3.
- Re-evaluation of DLC strategies: If “Khaos Reigns” truly underperformed, it might force Warner Bros. Games and NetherRealm to rethink their approach to DLC. Perhaps future installments will focus on more substantial expansions or explore alternative monetization models.
- Community disillusionment: The cancellation of anticipated content could lead to frustration within the Mortal Kombat community, especially for those who invested in the game and “Khaos Reigns” with the expectation of ongoing support.
It’s important to remember that these are still just rumors. Until there’s official word from NetherRealm Studios or Warner Bros. Games, it’s best to take this information with a grain of salt. However, the lack of communication and the apparent dissatisfaction with “Khaos Reigns” paint a worrying picture for the future of Mortal Kombat 1.
My Personal Take:
As a long-time Mortal Kombat fan, I have to admit I’m disappointed by this news. I enjoyed Mortal Kombat 1’s base game, despite some of its shortcomings. I was hoping to see more characters and story content explored in future DLC. I think the high price of “Khaos Reigns” was a major deterrent, and perhaps a more reasonable price point or a different content structure could have led to a better reception. I hope that NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games listen to fan feedback and find a way to deliver a satisfying conclusion to Mortal Kombat 1’s story, even if it’s not in the form of the originally planned DLC.
