Summary
- Mortal Kombat 1's Halloween event caused a backlash due to its expensive Happy Halloween fatality priced at $12, potentially damaging the game's reputation.
- The controversy surrounding Mortal Kombat 1's event serves as a warning that even popular games can face criticism for a significant mistake, emphasizing the importance of developer response.
- The fallout from Mortal Kombat 1's controversy could impact Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, as the concept of limited-time events may be less appealing to players after the backlash.
Mortal Kombat 1's Halloween event ended up backfiring, and it could have repercussions for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's future. Granted, there is still a fair amount of time before the latter's release, so there is still ample opportunity for any potential kinks to be ironed out. Even so, Mortal Kombat 1 has already taken a hit to its reputation, which was previously glittering thanks to the game's successful launch. Admittedly, the game itself isn't in more trouble than it was before. Instead, the potential rollout of its calendar may be what is now at stake.
Even with the controversy, the franchise reboot Mortal Kombat 1 has been a smashing success so far. Following up on the strong performance of Street Fighter 6, it is helping to usher in the latest generation of the most popular fighting games on the market. However, its recent troubles also carry a warning sign. Even the biggest, most popular games will still get called out for making an egregious mistake. The reputation of Mortal Kombat 1 could rely on how the developers respond. By avoiding similar mistakes in the future, the game's good name can be salvaged. However, players will likely be less forgiving of another slip-up.
Mortal Kombat 1's Happy Halloween Backlash Could Spread Beyond the Game
The source of the controversy is Mortal Kombat 1's expensive Happy Halloween fatality. For the price of 12 dollars, players will unlock a Halloween-themed fatality that can be used by any character. The reason for the backlash is obvious. 12 dollars is a monumental price to pay for a single move that can only be executed at the end of a match, especially with many other Fatalities available.
While Mortal Kombat 1 features other microtransactions, they tend to either be bundles that offer a good amount of content, or more affordable than what Happy Halloween offers, so backlash to them has not been as significant.
Another Warner Bros. Property could end up being affected by this fallout. Suicide Squad: KTJL already faces controversy due to its planned mechanics and a panned gameplay demo that was shortly followed by the game being delayed. While it's a whole world away from Mortal Kombat 1, the controversy surrounding the Happy Halloween fatality could present some unexpected problems. With Kill the Justice League being a live-service game, the concept of limited-time events regarding holidays was on the table from the beginning. After the backlash to the Happy Halloween fatality though, such an idea may not seem as palatable for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's developers.
The effect that this could have on the finished game is remarkable. After the unfortunate but unsurprising shutdown of Marvel's Avengers, it's clear that even live-service games attached to major properties are a substantial risk. Suicide Squad is a much smaller name than Avengers even after the 2021 film, so the game will need every advantage that it can get. If the developers pass on the idea to include seasonal events or cosmetics due to Mortal Kombat 1's misstep, then the game's calendar may look much less impressive than it could have been. Such a move could limit what Suicide Squad: KTJL can do to keep fans invested.
Suicide Squad: KTJL already faces controversy due to its planned mechanics and a panned gameplay demo that was shortly followed by the game being delayed.
Hopefully the controversy only has positive effects for Mortal Kombat's fanbase and future, and Suicide Squad: KTJL can benefit from its delay without ill effects. However, the backlash to the Happy Halloween fatality was so swift and vocal that it's easy to see how it could have a ripple effect. The reaction to the Happy Halloween fatality was understandable, and hopefully Mortal Kombat 1 won't make the same mistake again, but the bigger concern may be how Mortal Kombat 1's Halloween blunder has the potential to hurt Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League in the long run.
Mortal Kombat 1
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
- 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
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.
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
