The iconic Mortal Kombat series has a longstanding tradition of offering paid DLC, dating back to 2011's Mortal Kombat reboot, which introduced new characters post-release. While DLC fighters are generally accepted in the fighting game community, recent Mortal Kombat titles have faced criticism not for the additional content, but for their implementation of microtransactions.
Microtransactions, a contentious aspect of the gaming industry for years, have become a focal point of debate surrounding Mortal Kombat, contributing to the franchise's precarious position in the gaming landscape.
The Destiny of Mortal Kombat Hangs in the Balance
A Troubled Legacy of Microtransactions in Mortal Kombat
Back in April 2015, Mortal Kombat X introduced microtransactions, sparking controversy with offerings like Easy Fatality tokens for real money. The trend continued in Mortal Kombat 11 with the introduction of Time Krystals, used to unlock in-game items and character skins, some exclusively available for purchase. The most recent uproar occurred when Mortal Kombat 1 charged $10 for a Halloween-themed Fatality.
Diverging Paths for the Future of Mortal Kombat
The ongoing escalation of microtransactions in Mortal Kombat has fans concerned about the series' direction. The franchise faces three potential trajectories regarding microtransactions in its future installments. The first path involves eliminating microtransactions entirely, which could enhance accessibility but potentially reduce revenue, a critical consideration in the current gaming landscape. Moreover, as a Warner Bros. property, NetherRealm might be constrained by corporate directives to maximize profits.
Alternatively, the next Mortal Kombat could embrace microtransactions and a live-service model while adjusting the game's pricing strategy to align with ongoing DLC releases. This approach aims to provide a more balanced monetization system for players.
The third option entails maintaining the status quo, a risky proposition given the negative impact of high-priced microtransactions in a full-priced game. Continuing this trend could further tarnish the Mortal Kombat brand, highlighting the urgency for a strategic shift in the handling of in-game purchases.