Developer NetherRealm recently made the difficult decision to shut down its free-to-play mobile game, Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, just one year after its launch. The game, which was a character-collecting RPG based on the popular fighting series, had promised players a unique experience with mobile-exclusive stories and real-time group battles.
In an announcement made via Twitter, NetherRealm expressed their regret in informing the players about the closure of Mortal Kombat: Onslaught. Despite the team’s efforts in creating the game for the community, they cited operational reasons for the shutdown. The game will be removed from the iOS and Android stores immediately, with in-app purchases available until August 23rd. Players will still be able to enjoy the game until October 21st of this year.
The decision to close Mortal Kombat: Onslaught follows reports of layoffs within NetherRealm’s mobile team. The studio, known for its work on popular titles like Mortal Kombat Mobile and Injustice 2, assured players that ongoing support for those games would not be affected by the recent changes. This move comes in the wake of Warner Bros. Discovery’s acknowledgment of a challenging year ahead, which was partly attributed to underperforming titles like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Warner Bros. had previously announced a shift in focus towards mobile, free-to-play, and live-service games to adapt to the evolving gaming landscape. However, the decision to downsize NetherRealm’s mobile division amidst this strategic shift has raised questions about the studio’s future plans. As the industry continues to navigate the complexities of the AAA market, it remains to be seen how developers like NetherRealm will adjust their strategies to stay competitive and meet the changing demands of players.