A trusted Mortal Kombat 1 insider suggests that the fighting game’s DLC roadmap has been significantly altered following the underwhelming performance of Khaos Reigns. Prior to MK1‘s release, NetherRealm Studios had communicated intentions to support the game with content for a longer period than its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 11. This led many to anticipate multiple story expansions and Kombat Packs in the years following launch. However, recent reports indicate a shift in strategy.
According to insider Fate Unknown, known for accurate Mortal Kombat 1 leaks, NetherRealm has reportedly canceled plans for a third Kombat Pack and a second story expansion. This effectively means that once Kombat Pack 2 concludes with the release of the T-1000 and Conan the Barbarian in early 2025, premium paid DLC for MK1 will likely cease. While the possibility of additional Kameo fighters remains, other DLC plans have reportedly been shelved.
mortal-kombat-1-khaos-reigns.jpgThe alleged reason for this change of course? Poor sales of Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns. Released in September, Khaos Reigns faced immediate criticism for its $49.99 price tag. While the expansion included Kombat Pack 2 and its six additional fighters, many players deemed the cost excessive, particularly considering MK1‘s recent release the previous year.
Further evidence of Khaos Reigns‘ underperformance emerged in early November when NetherRealm and WB Games implemented a significant price reduction for the DLC. This unusually timed sale, occurring just over a month after launch, fueled speculation about the expansion’s struggling sales figures. The recent insider information appears to confirm these suspicions.
The Future of Mortal Kombat 1
Despite these reported changes, NetherRealm isn’t abandoning Mortal Kombat 1 entirely. The studio remains committed to releasing the T-1000 Terminator and Conan the Barbarian as part of Kombat Pack 2. Beyond these additions, ongoing updates are expected to address game balance and other issues. However, as 2025 progresses, NetherRealm’s focus will likely shift towards its next project, a game confirmed by director Ed Boon to have been in development since 2021.
In conclusion, while initial plans for extensive long-term support for Mortal Kombat 1 seemed promising, the apparent commercial disappointment of Khaos Reigns has reportedly led to a reevaluation of NetherRealm’s DLC strategy. While fans can still look forward to the remaining Kombat Pack 2 characters, the prospect of further story expansions and additional fighters appears to be diminished. This news may disappoint some players, but it also underscores the importance of finding a balance between providing ongoing content and ensuring its perceived value within the gaming community.
