Rumors are swirling that NetherRealm Studios, the powerhouse behind the Mortal Kombat series, is already deep into developing the story mode for its next big title. Despite no official announcements, recent job postings suggest that the Chicago-based developer is hard at work on a new project that could potentially shake up the gaming world once again.

NetherRealm Studios, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Games, is well-known for its critically acclaimed fighting games. The most recent release, Mortal Kombat 1, launched last September and brought fans a rebooted narrative set in an entirely new timeline. The game is already gearing up for a major content update, but it seems the studio has more in store.

According to a report from the eXputer forum, Warner Bros. Games job listings reveal that NetherRealm is seeking a Senior Cinematics Animator to craft high-quality cinematic animations for a story mode campaign. Additionally, the studio is looking for an Associate Producer to manage the day-to-day operations of an unnamed AAA title. These job postings hint at what could be the next chapter in the Mortal Kombat saga, or possibly something entirely new.

What’s cooking at NetherRealm?

The big question is: What is NetherRealm’s next move? The mysterious AAA project could be a follow-up to Mortal Kombat 1, but there’s also speculation that it could be a new entry in the Injustice series, or even a brand new IP. The developer has previously stated that they plan to support Mortal Kombat 1 for years, but with these new job listings, it’s clear that something major is in the works.

Meanwhile, fans can look forward to the upcoming Khaos Reigns DLC for Mortal Kombat 1, set to release on September 24. This expansion will not only continue the game’s narrative but also introduce six new fighters, including crossover characters like Conan the Barbarian and the T-1000 from Terminator 2.

As NetherRealm Studios recovers from the layoffs earlier this year, which affected over 50 employees, including their entire mobile team, the gaming community is eagerly awaiting what’s next from this iconic studio. With over 11,700 layoffs in the gaming industry in 2024, NetherRealm’s new project could be the fresh start fans are hoping for.

Source: GameRant