#GamingBytes: Mortal Kombat XI might be revealed at Game Awards
Mortal Kombat defined an entire genre of gaming and shaped the fighter game community. However, for three years, there was no news from developer, NetherRealm after critically acclaimed Mortal Kombat X. Rumors circulated that a new game was in the works but nothing was confirmed. However, it appears now that the new game might be revealed at 'The Game Awards' 2018. Read it here.
The timeline of NetherRealm Studios
If you have followed NetherRealm Studios, as I have, you would have noticed a pattern to its game releases. Since the Mortal Kombat franchise was reborn in 2011, it has alternated between the original brawler and its take on the superhero showdown game, Injustice. 2011's Mortal Kombat was followed by the first Injustice game. Similarly, Mortal Kombat X was followed by Injustice 2.
The Mortal Kombat franchise
The Mortal Kombat franchise rose and fell, but in 2011 it was reborn with a cleaner storyline. 2015's game was even better with cooler move combinations and remarkable storyline by fighting game standards. Following NetherRealm's pattern, the third Mortal Kombat game should follow Injustice 2.
The breadcrumbs to confirm the rumor
If the pattern analysis of NetherRealm's games was not enough, here is further proof. The Mexican voice actor, Eduardo Garza, tweeted sadly that his characters, Kung Lao and Reptile have been removed from Mortal Kombat XI. Coupled with confirmation from two motion capture martial artists at Mo Game Con, Missouri, that they were working on Mortal Kombat XI, the rumors seem to hold water.
What we can understand from the tweet?
Interestingly, the tweet did not mention NetherRealm and was directed to Pink Noise. However, Pink Noise could be assisting in localization to other markets. More importantly, the news of Kung Lao and Reptile's removal signals that playable characters will change and new characters are likely to be introduced. For the record, Reptile's invisibility and quick movement made him one of my favorite playable characters.
The horrifying guest of honor
As per Mortal Kombat's tradition, one playable character is from horror classics and over time we saw Freddy Krueger from 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', Jason Voorhees from 'Friday the 13th', Alien, Predator, and Leatherface from 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. One fan theorized the new game might get Pennywise from 'It' since it is a Warner Bros. film, and NetherRealm is part of Warner Bros.
Why we believe it will be revealed at Game Awards?
NetherRealm has not offered any comment. No comment has been forthcoming from 'The Game Awards' producer Geoff Keighley either. However, Warner Bros. earlier revealed big titles at the awards like 'Batman: Arkham City' so Mortal Kombat's new game could be arriving in 2019. Notably, 'The Game Awards' has become the stage to reveal big games, and NetherRealm might use this opportunity.
