Ed Boon Confirms New Mortal Kombat and Future Projects for 2026

Ed Boon has officially confirmed that NetherRealm Studios is currently developing a new Mortal Kombat game as part of their upcoming project slate for 2026. During a recent interview, the creative director indicated that while the studio is busy with the next installment of the long-running fighting franchise, they are also managing several other undisclosed projects, including potential ventures outside of traditional gaming.

NetherRealm Studios Upcoming Projects Announcement 2026

The gaming industry has been closely monitoring NetherRealm Studios following the release of Mortal Kombat 1 in 2023. As we reach the middle of 2026, questions regarding the studio's next move have intensified. Ed Boon addressed these inquiries by clarifying that the team has multiple initiatives in progress, noting that there are "a lot of parts on the stove."

Boon emphasized that these projects extend beyond the scope of interactive software. While he remained cautious about revealing specific details to avoid internal complications, he confirmed that the studio is working on various forms of media. This suggests that the company is looking to expand its intellectual property footprint through channels that may include, but are not limited to, video games. For readers following NetherRealm Studios news, this confirms that the studio is actively diversifying its output.

Is a New Mortal Kombat Game Confirmed for 2026?

While the confirmation that a new Mortal Kombat game is in development provides clarity for fans of the series, the studio has not yet provided a release window or a specific title for the project. The franchise has a long history of success, dating back to earlier iterations such as the 2013 release of Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition, which holds a Metacritic score of 82. That title was released on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, establishing the high standards the studio maintains for its fighting mechanics.

When asked about the possibility of a third entry in the Injustice series, Boon did not provide a definitive confirmation. Speculation has persisted regarding whether the next project will feature DC characters, but the developer has maintained a policy of not disclosing specific project identities until the studio is ready for a formal announcement. The current focus remains on the internal development pipeline, which encompasses both the new Mortal Kombat title and these secondary, unannounced projects.

What is the Next Mortal Kombat Game After Mortal Kombat 1?

The timeline for the next Mortal Kombat game remains internal to NetherRealm Studios. Following the 2023 launch of Mortal Kombat 1, the development cycle for a major fighting game typically spans several years. Boon’s comments confirm that the team is deep into the development process, but he stopped short of providing a roadmap for when players might expect a reveal or a launch on platforms like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.

Regarding the nature of these future projects, the following list summarizes the current status of information provided by the studio:

• Mortal Kombat: Confirmed to be in active development by the core team.
• Other Projects: Multiple undisclosed initiatives are currently in progress.
• Media Expansion: The studio is exploring projects beyond traditional game development.
• Injustice Series: No official confirmation regarding a third installment has been provided by the studio.

For more updates on the studio's trajectory, you can follow our fighting game coverage as more information becomes available. The studio's approach to these upcoming releases appears to prioritize a multi-faceted strategy that balances their established fighting game brand with new creative directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a new Mortal Kombat game confirmed for 2026?

Ed Boon has confirmed that NetherRealm Studios is currently working on another entry in the Mortal Kombat series, though a specific release date has not been provided.

What did Ed Boon say about the next Mortal Kombat?

In a recent interview, Ed Boon stated that the team is actively pursuing another Mortal Kombat game while simultaneously working on multiple other projects.

Is Injustice 3 currently in development by NetherRealm?

While there is speculation regarding a follow-up to the Injustice series, Ed Boon has not officially confirmed the title, noting only that there are multiple projects currently in development.