Will they or won't they? That's been the question surrounding additional downloadable content for Mortal Kombat X. A poll posted by NetherRealm Creative Director Ed Boon asked fans what they'd like to see the studio develop next - and it's DLC that is still dominating fans minds!
Next?
— Ed Boon (@noobde) May 13, 2016
44%, or roughly 5730 fans, voted in favour of more downloadable content for Mortal Kombat X! The extension of content for the current game pipped a Shaolin Monks adventure title sequel at 31%, or a completely new Mortal Kombat X sequel at 25%. 13,020 Twitter users registered their opinion.
Even the seasoned series co-creator noted surprise at the end result, "Wow, certainly to my surprise....Kombat Pack 3 wins! To even MORE surprise.... MK11 comes in LAST!" Boon's been getting to know fans through many poll subjects of late, including April polls about missing MKX males and females.
The top selling tenth installment in the Mortal Kombat series saw NetherRealm Studios release the biggest crop of post-release extras since they began producing DLC in 2011. Mortal Kombat XL bundled all extras into a complete download and disc release, including late arriving klassic arena The Pit, and Kombat Pack 2 fighters.
Surprising playable omissions [read more] and inaccessible non-playable characters [read more] have kept many fans fixated on further downloadable additions. As leaders in the industry experiment further with DLC platforms and expand post-release content models, it's clear the method becomes further ingrained in the mindset of fans eager to see more.
Traditionally, a second release like Mortal Kombat XL indicates the end of a game's development lifespan, committing a complete content library to disc. This has the benefit of ensuring easy, long term access to fans who wish to play the game for years to come -- even without future publisher support, or changes in content licensing. "Kombat Pack 3" may seem attractive in the short term, but it begs the question: Would this also necessitate a third Mortal Kombat XXL, or would you be happy to lose your DLC?
It's been over ten years since Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks was released for PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The third-person action-adventure game expanded the events of Mortal Kombat II into a story-driven 3D brawler starring Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Featured unlockable characters were Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
Inconsistency in characterization and plotlines drew criticism from ardent fans at the time, but a fundamentally enjoyable gaming experience ensured Shaolin Monks amassed a strong dedicated following. Co-op and one-on-one fighting modes expanded a base that superbly adapted play style from the traditional 2D fighting games.
Fans of Shaolin Monks, and subsequent Konquest game modes, have continued to call for a modern sequel or HD rerelease for years. Boon discussed the genesis of the original during Mortal Kombat X promotion in 2014, revealing its origins as a Raiden demo pitch from an outside studio [full story].
It might be argued that fans' short-term desires overwhelmed their choice of Kombat Pack 3 over the option of an entire new game. Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts, and a new game can provide many characters! What's undeniable: the fact that Mortal Kombat X has connected with fans who continue to seek more from the game.
[Related Article: Speculation: Is NetherRealm Studios Preparing For Injustice 2?]
Former DC Comics writer Jim Krueger contributed to the story script for Shaolin Monks. Interestingly enough, Boon singled out the absence of an Injustice: Gods Among Us option on his poll: "LOL ... That's not on the list."
What do you want to see next? Register to tell us what NetherRealm Studio's next game should be on the forum. Do you want one of these options, or something else? Share your thoughts, and share this article via @MK_Online and Facebook!