Rumor: NetherRealm focusing on Mortal Kombat 12 as future with WB remains uncertain
As Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment continues to splinter, it seems like NetherRealm may be working on Mortal Kombat 12 as its relationship with WB remains up in the air.
If the latest rumors are true, NetherRealm Studios is focusing on its landmark franchise over others right now. Apparently, NetherRealm is prioritizing Mortal Kombat 12 over Injustice 3 or a Marvel Comics fighting game. Supposedly, this is due to the uncertain relationship between NetherRealm and its parent company Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
This rumor originates from Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb, who recently discussed the latest news in the game industry on his show GrubbSnax. When discussing what the next NetherRealm project could be, Grubb cited Mortal Kombat 12 as the most likely focal point for the company. He discussed how the current splintering of Warner Bros.’s games division following AT&T’s decision to split WB off and merge it with Discovery.
Does is make sense for NetherRealm to work on Mortal Kombat 12?
Grubb posits that it’s unlikely that NetherRealm would work with a WB intellectual property considering WBIE may dissolve soon. As he asks in the Grubbsnax episode: “Does having NetherRealm use a WB-owned property right now make sense when WB is sorta falling apart in front of our eyes? Who knows where NetherRealm’s gonna be next year?”
It’s not known where NetherRealm will end up following the restructuring. However, if WB ends up selling the company, that would put a wrench in any plans for a new NetherRealm game based on a WB property like DC Comics. Even if NetherRealm wasn’t working on a WB-associated game, not having the WB’s resources might make it more difficult for NetherRealm to secure licenses with other companies.
Conversely, it would be easier for WB to spin NetherRealm off if the studio isn’t working on a game using one of its IPs Thus, Grubb believes it makes sense for NetherRealm to place attention on Mortal Kombat 12 while its relationship with WB gets sorted out.
The future of the Mortal Kombat series
NetherRealm recently confirmed that it is done releasing for Mortal Kombat 11 and is instead working on its next project. Until we get more insight into where NetherRealm will end up, we can only guess what it has in store.
On whether or not Mortal Kombat 12 is the next NetherRealm project, Grubb stated: “That’s what I’ve heard is happening. I wouldn’t say that this is for sure, but it lines up with the reality and with what I’ve heard where Mortal Kombat 12 would make the most sense. That’s a game they know would make money […] and at the same time, you don’t have to use any of these Batman/Superman characters that might be tied up in licensing if you try to get rid of NetherRealm.”
Only time will tell what lies in NetherRealm’s future, but for now, we’ll have to wait with bated breath.
Via VGC.
