Dan Forden, 'Toasty!' Creator, Retires From Mortal Kombat's NetherRealm

Last Updated: November 2, 2025

In the annals of video game history, few soundbites are as instantly recognizable as the falsetto cry of "Toasty!" that accompanies a perfectly brutal uppercut in Mortal Kombat. It’s a piece of audio DNA woven into the fabric of the fighting game genre itself. In late 2025, the studio behind the legendary franchise bid farewell to the man responsible for it, as composer, sound designer, and the voice of that iconic exclamation, Dan Forden, retired from NetherRealm Studios after an incredible 37-year career.

The departure marked a poignant end of an era for the development house. For the millions of fans who grew up hearing that signature sound echo through arcades and living rooms, Forden's retirement signified a major transition for the beloved and bloody series, closing a chapter that began with the franchise's inception.

An Industry Legend Steps Away

Dan Forden, a foundational figure in the sound design of the Mortal Kombat universe, confirmed his retirement on October 1, 2025, concluding a career that spanned from classic pinball machines at Williams Electronics to the modern AAA fighting games of NetherRealm Studios. Ed Boon, co-creator of Mortal Kombat, celebrated Forden's career, highlighting his immense impact on the studio and the franchise.

Forden's contributions extended far beyond a single, albeit legendary, one-liner. He was instrumental in shaping the entire auditory landscape of brutal combat and dark fantasy that defines the series. For decades, his work gave voice to the visceral crunch of bone, the sizzle of Scorpion's fire, and the chilling winds of Sub-Zero's ice. His retirement left a void in the studio's audio department, but his influence remains deeply embedded in the games. It’s a testament to his impact that the departure of a sound designer was felt so keenly by the community, highlighting the crucial role audio plays in creating immersive gaming experiences.

The Legacy of a Soundbite

The origin of "Toasty!" is a piece of gaming folklore. It began as an inside joke among the original Midway development team, a phrase Forden would exclaim during heated office matches of early sports titles to tease other developers. The team decided to sneak it into Mortal Kombat II as an Easter egg. Following a particularly savage uppercut, a small sprite of Dan Forden himself would slide into the corner of the screen and chirp the line in his now-famous falsetto.

It was an instant hit. The absurdity of the cheerful, silly exclamation in the midst of hyper-violent combat created a moment of surreal levity that players adored. It quickly transcended its status as a simple Easter egg to become a core part of the Mortal Kombat identity. The soundbite has appeared in nearly every subsequent game, sometimes as a hidden gem, other times as a trigger for secret fights. It became a badge of honor for players to trigger the "Toasty!" moment—a shared experience that bonded the community and has since been cemented in pop culture as a nostalgic touchstone for generations of gamers.

The Future of NetherRealm's Sound

With such a key figure departing, questions naturally arose about the future of NetherRealm's audio. Would the studio forge a new sonic identity, or would Forden's classic sounds be carried forward? The answer came with the studio's recent releases, which have skillfully balanced legacy and innovation.

The critically acclaimed Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), which launched before Forden's official retirement, proudly features his iconic "Toasty!" exclamation, confirming its irreplaceable status. The challenge for NetherRealm has always been to honor the decades of audio history that fans cherish while continuing to evolve. By preserving core sound effects like Forden's, the studio has demonstrated a commitment to the franchise's roots. The future of NetherRealm's sound design will be built upon the powerful foundation Forden created, ensuring that while the spectacular fatalities and iconic characters take the spotlight, the unforgettable soundscape he pioneered will continue to cement Mortal Kombat's place in the pantheon of gaming giants. As a new chapter begins for the studio, Dan Forden's voice will undoubtedly continue to echo for years to come.