NetherRealm Studios is known for switching back and forth between the Mortal Kombat and Injustice series, but it seems like that cycle might be breaking for its next game. A new claim states that the acclaimed fighting game developer is choosing to focus on Mortal Kombat 12 over Injustice 3.
This report comes by way of GamesBeat reporter and regular leaker Jeff Grubb (through VideoGamesChronicle). On his weekly Giant Bomb show Grubbsnax (an abbreviated version is at the bottom of the article), Grubb answered a question regarding NetherRealm’s next project. After saying that it’s probably not a Marvel vs. DC game or Injustice 3, he brought in the realities facing Warner Bros. right now and extrapolated from there. But instead of just being a guess, he said his conclusion also lined up with his sources.
“Does having NetherRealm use a WB-owned property right now make sense when WB is sort of falling apart in front of our eyes?” he said. “Who knows where NetherRealm going to be next year? Is NetherRealm still going to be part of WB? Does it make it easier to sell NetherRealm or let it spin off or whatever if it is making Mortal Kombat 12 instead right now? And that’s what I’ve heard is happening.”
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He continued, stating that it made sense and would be easier to sell a developer if it wasn’t making a game with a ton of licensed characters.
“I wouldn’t say that this is like for sure,” he continued, “but it lines up with the reality and it lines up with what I’ve heard where Mortal Kombat 12 would make the most sense because that’s a game they know will make money. It’ll sell well. Mortal Kombat 11 was great. It’s doing well but if you come out with Mortal Kombat 12, it will also sell and do well and at the same time. You don’t have to use any of these Batman [or] Superman characters that might be tied up in licensing if you try to get rid of NetherRealm, if you try to sell it to whoever.”
After announcing it was ceasing support for Mortal Kombat 11 in favor of its next game, NetherRealm has commented or hinted it is developing, which has opened the door for speculation to run wild. Earlier rumors did point to a Marvel fighting game. Patterns suggest Injustice 3. And now Grubb is saying Mortal Kombat 12. Given all of this uncertainty and silence, it is not clear what game the studio is making, even with Grubb’s input. WB Games is also getting moved around and broken up as a part of the recent merger with Discovery, but WB has denied rumors of selling NetherRealm. This could have the potential, as Grubb claims, to affect what NetherRealm is making. But, for what its worth, Injustice and Mortal Kombat Co-Creator Ed Boon did change his Twitter avatar in the last few days back to a split of Scorpion and Batman after just a pandemic-related Scorpion one since early last year.
Regardless, this is the longest NetherRealm has gone without unveiling its next game. The team usually releases a game on the odd-numbered years and flips back and forth between Mortal Kombat and Injustice. But NetherRealm hasn’t revealed its next project as of August 2021, marking a stark departure from its routine. Whether or not the extra time is the result of tackling a different project or uncertainty surrounding its publisher, the Chicago-based developer is still being quiet about what it is working on as it breaks from its tradition.
