Mortal Kombat 2 Can’t Exactly Be ‘Mortal Kombat 2’

A new Mortal Kombat game is exciting enough, but the franchise as a whole has really been in the spotlight recently. It was confirmed in April that Mortal Kombat 1 had officially sold a whopping 8 million copies since its launch three years ago. Mortal Kombat 2 (the movie) also hits theaters this weekend, which is a good thing for gamers who have been craving more from the franchise. As far as video games go, there is one big problem with a Mortal Kombat 1 sequel, though. Developer NetherRealm Studios is going to have to figure out another title, because Mortal Kombat 2 already exists.

The New Mortal Kombat Game Needs to Steer Clear of Confusing Titles

Of course, tons of fans know that Mortal Kombat 2 already exists, but it really does raise some important questions about what that means for this upcoming game’s title. Even if it were called “Mortal Kombat 2: Insert Subtitle Here,” it would still be pretty confusing. That just makes it sound like a spin-off or DLC for the original Mortal Kombat 2. It’s not really a surprise that another Mortal Kombat game is on the way, either, so developers have probably brainstormed for a while about a title. There have been expectations that NetherRealm Studios is working on new projects after Mortal Kombat 1 support ended last year.

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With how many copies Mortal Kombat 1 sold, a sequel ultimately felt inevitable. Ed Boon confirming that another game is in the works actually makes it a reality, though. The sequel also has the issue of being called the same title as the Mortal Kombat 2 movie. Potentially having three projects in the franchise titled “Mortal Kombat 2” is simply overkill, which leaves NetherRealm Studios in an interesting position.

What Should the Next Mortal Kombat Game Be Called?

There currently isn’t any way to know what NetherRealm Studios decides to call the next Mortal Kombat game. The most obvious route is to keep the “Mortal Kombat” title and add a subtitle without making it a numbered entry. What that subtitle could be, though, is just as interesting a question. This is purely speculation, but if NetherRealm Studios went the subtitle route, whatever words are chosen could hold a lot more weight than it first seems. Subtitles offer deeper insight into what a game’s story is all about.

So, whenever NetherRealm Studios decides to announce the name of the next Mortal Kombat game, it’s going to be an interesting reveal. Calling it “Mortal Kombat 2” would be astounding, but nothing is impossible. Right now, there really isn’t anything known about the next chapter. Beyond the title, many fans are eager to know what the Mortal Kombat 1 sequel’s character list, DLC packs, and release date are going to be. There are ultimately more questions than answers at this point, and that makes Boon’s recent confirmation of a new game that much more intriguing.

A New Mortal Kombat Game Isn’t All That NetherRealm Studios Has in the Works

Ed Boon confirmed the new Mortal Kombat game during a recent interview with Collider to help promote the film, but he also had interesting things to say about future NetherRealm Studios games. Beyond Mortal Kombat, Boon said that the studio is “definitely doing more.” This isn’t exactly the most thrilling confirmation, but it does at least reassure fans that the spotlight isn’t just going to be on the Mortal Kombat franchise.

Hope for Injustice 3 is Still Alive and Well

Boon stating that NetherRealm Studios is working on “more” outside Mortal Kombat‘s shadow has already ignited speculation that the other project in the works is the long-awaited Injustice 3. There have been a lot of Injustice 3 leaks and rumors over the years, but nothing has ever been officially confirmed by Boon or other NetherRealm Studios spokespeople yet. It has been nearly a decade since Injustice 2 came out, and many were hoping that a third game based on the DC Comics universe would be next in line after Mortal Kombat 1.

That’s definitely possible, but Boon’s words with Collider made it sound like Mortal Kombat is still the top priority and will probably lead to Mortal Kombat 1‘s sequel releasing before Injustice 3. However, he could have emphasized Mortal Kombat simply because there is a movie to help promote. There’s really no way to know for sure, and NetherRealm Studios’ next game is going to remain a big mystery until the developer decides to offer answers.

NetherRealm Studios Reveals Its Next Project Sooner, Rather Than Later

There have been plenty of claims that Injustice 3 is in development over the years, but Mortal Kombat is still NetherRealm Studios’ bread and butter. Whether the next game from the developer is Mortal Kombat or Injustice 3 remains to be seen, but the former’s title is a really intriguing question that NetherRealm hopes to answer soon. The time between Mortal Kombat 11 and Mortal Kombat 1 was four years. If developers are following that same timeframe, then the next game being announced this year with a 2027 launch would make sense. What would be even better is if Injustice 3 and the new Mortal Kombat were revealed at the same time to generate a double dose of hype. Unfortunately, Mortal Kombat and Injustice fans are stuck playing the waiting game for the time being.

Mortal Kombat 1

8/10

Released

September 19, 2023

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

Publisher(s)

Warner Brothers Games