If the whispers circulating are to be believed, Mortal Kombat 1 might soon welcome a new chapter in its story. NetherRealm Studios’ latest entry in the acclaimed fighting series has kept fans on the edge of their seats, leaving them guessing about its future. A recent job listing has sparked a flurry of speculation, suggesting a potential expansion could be in the works. Although the listing doesn’t explicitly link back to Mortal Kombat 1, the clues seem to hint in that direction.
The job listing specifically calls for a senior animator proficient in crafting a “story mode campaign.” Given that Mortal Kombat 1 is NetherRealm’s newest title, fans have good reason to suspect that this search is tied to the fighting game. The prospect of a story expansion, should it come to fruition, could be an exciting development for Mortal Kombat 1, setting a solid foundation for whatever comes next.
Fortnite’s crossover with the Mortal Kombat universe might have only just begun tapping into its potential. By integrating elements of Mortal Kombat, Fortnite could pave the way for even more extensive collaborations in the future. This initial blending of worlds could be the start of something much larger and more exciting for fans of both franchises.
Exploring the idea of Mortal Kombat 1 creating space for a new story arc not only adds depth to the existing narrative but might also prepare the groundwork for a sequel. The path ahead for MK1 remains shrouded in secrecy, leaving fans to mull over rumors of a canceled Kombat Pack, even as Kombat Pack 2 was released in September 2024.
In recent months, fans have been left speculating about what Mortal Kombat 1’s next move will be. The game took a bold step with a revamped timeline, courtesy of Liu Kang, offering a fresh take that left players intrigued yet somewhat wanting more. Although the Khaos Reigns DLC tried to build upon MK1’s story, its execution didn’t quite hit the mark. A shift towards deepening the story could smooth MK1’s journey toward a satisfying conclusion, potentially before a sequel graces the scene.
The forthcoming Mortal Kombat 2 movie, slated for an October 24, 2025 release, might help tide fans over should a new DLC remain absent. With Karl Urban stepping into the shoes of Johnny Cage, fans of the series have at least one significant event to anticipate.
Though a story expansion sans new characters would nonetheless leave some wanting, the narrative strength of the expansion could repay that compromise. Mortal Kombat 1 has spotlighted both beloved and crossover characters—such as Conan the Barbarian—and to see those aspects missing would be noticed. Yet, this might be a strategic choice if it means MK1’s story arc benefits from full creative attention, particularly in striving to surpass the reach of Khaos Reigns.
The intriguing additions of Ghost Face, Conan the Barbarian, the T-1000, Madam Bo, Sektor, Cyrax, and Noob Saibot in Khaos Reigns are still fresh in the minds of fans. If tuning the focus more toward storytelling and less on introducing new faces helps wrap up MK1 on a high note, it might be a move worth making before pivoting to future projects.
As it stands, NetherRealm Studios has not spilled any beans about upcoming plans for MK1. While job postings and circulating rumors have fans talking, without official confirmation, all predictions should be taken merely as exploratory thoughts. Although it remains in the realm of hearsay, an opportunity for MK1 to conclude on a more conclusive note is exciting. While it remains unclear whether NetherRealm’s future endeavors involve an MK1 sequel or a fresh chapter in the Injustice series, guesswork will surely continue to swirl as more developments unfold.
