If recent rumors hold true, Mortal Kombat 1 might 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 for Mortal 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." With Mortal Kombat 1 being 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 animator is intriguing, and if it does happen to lead to a story expansion, it may be the best path forward for Mortal Kombat 1.

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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

  • MK1 was expected to get a third Kombat Pack this year.
  • Rumors have been circulating claiming the Kombat Pack has been canceled.
  • Kombat Pack 2 was released in September 2024.

For the past few months, a lot of MK1 fans have been wondering what is next for the fighting game. MK1 proved 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 of MK1 can 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 October 24, 2025. Even if MK1 doesn'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 for MK1 is a full-blown story expansion that foregoes adding new characters, that will still be disappointing, no matter how strong the narrative is. MK1 has brought both franchise staples and pop-culture crossovers, like Conan 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 that MK1's next chapter is far more satisfying than Khaos Reigns.

Khaos Reigns added 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 for MK1 fans. It's important to remember that until NetherRealm confirms these rumors as true or false, any speculation about MK1's future plans should be taken with a grain of salt.

Although a new story expansion is only a rumor at the moment, MK1 potentially 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 an MK1 sequel or a fresh Injustice chapter, but as the wait for an update continues, there is bound to be more speculation.

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Mortal Kombat 1 Tag Page Cover Art
8 /10

Mortal Kombat 1
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Fighting
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Systems
super greyscale 8-bit logo PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
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Released
September 19, 2023
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Developer(s)
NetherRealm Studios
Publisher(s)
Warner Brothers Games
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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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.

Genre(s)
Fighting