If recent rumors hold true,Mortal Kombat 1might be getting a fresh story expansion. The future of NetherRealm Studios' latest offering in the long-running fighting franchise has been a huge mystery, but a new job listing has led to fresh speculation. While the job listing doesn’t specifically state that the developer is hiring forMortal Kombat 1, the details could be pointing to the game.
The listing in question is specifically searching for a senior animator to work on a “story mode campaign.” WithMortal Kombat 1being the most recent game from NetherRealm, it only makes sense for fans to assume that this senior animator is needed for the fighting title.NetherRealm’s search for a senior animatoris intriguing, and if it does happen to lead to a story expansion, it may be the best path forward forMortal Kombat 1.
Mortal Kombat 1 Making Room for a New Story Chapter Could Set the Stage for a Sequel
The Next Steps Forward for MK1 Have Been Kept in the Dark
For the past few months, a lot ofMK1fans have been wondering what is next for the fighting game.MK1proved to be a big shake-up for the iconic series, as it opted for a completely fresh timeline brought forth by Liu Kang. The new timeline has been intriguing, but the game’s story has pretty much been stuck in limbo. The story of the latest DLC,Khaos Reigns, expanded on the narrative a little bit, but it ultimately fell flat in its delivery.The story ofMK1can hopefully grow more, and if NetherRealm is pivoting its focus on refining the game’s story over adding new characters, it could help end the game on a high note before a sequel arrives.
Mortal Kombat 2, the live-action sequel to the rebooted film adaptation, is set to hit theaters on June 22, 2025. Even ifMK1doesn’t get a new DLC this year, there will still be at least a new movie to look forward to. Karl Urban is confirmed to be playing fan-favorite character Johnny Cage.
A New Story Expansion Has One Major Downside
If the next DLC forMK1is a full-blown story expansion that foregoes adding new characters, that will still be disappointing, no matter how strong the narrative is.MK1has brought both franchise staples and pop-culture crossovers, likeConan the Barbarian, into the spotlight, and not having that in a story-focused expansion will be missed. However, this may be a necessary admission, so NetherRealm can fully focus on making sure thatMK1’s next chapter is far more satisfying thanKhaos Reigns.
Khaos Reignsadded Ghost Face, Conan the Barbarian, T-1000, Madam Bo, Sektor, Cyrax, and Noob Saibot.
If NetherRealm is pivoting its focus on refining the game’s story over adding new characters, it could help end the game on a high note before a sequel arrives.
NetherRealm Studios Has Yet to Announce Future Plans for MK1
Despite these job listings and growing rumors, NetherRealm has remained silent on what awaits on the horizon forMK1fans. It’s important to remember that until NetherRealm confirms these rumors as true or false, any speculation aboutMK1’s future plansshould be taken with a grain of salt.
Although a new story expansion is only a rumor at the moment,MK1potentially getting the chance to end its story in a more satisfying way would be exciting. Right now, it’s unclear if NetherRealm’s next project will be anMK1sequel or a freshInjusticechapter, but as the wait for an update continues, there is bound to be more speculation.
Mortal Kombat 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
