A petition started earlier this week asking Warner Bros. and Netherrealm Studios to remasterMortal Kombat 9has now reached over 1,000 signatures. The 2011 title, also known as simplyMortal Kombat,is believed by many fans to be the best game in the franchise. As one of the older games, it also has a healthy dose of nostalgia that’s kept fans thinking fondly about it, but unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to play the game today.
The petition, started by a user named Zach onChange.org, asks the creators of the iconicMortal Kombattitle tobring it back as a remaster. Zach points out that since the game isn’t available for purchase on Steam anymore and is only playable on older consoles, many new and existing fans don’t have the opportunity to play the game anymore. Many others have shown up to support the cause, andthe petition has broken 1,000 signatures in just a week.
Despite Fan Support, A Mortal Kombat 9 Remaster Is Unlikely
Legal And Technical Issues Hold It Back
The petition clearly shows that many people would love to see the classicMortal Kombattitle remastered, with the signatures currently at 1,195 and counting. However, showing support might not be enough to get this project off the ground, no matter how much everyone involved wants it to exist.
The biggest thing standing in the developers' way isthe issue of licensing rights.In 2020, Warner Bros. quietly pulled the game from Steam without fanfare or explanation. However, fans speculate that the game had to be removed because of its inclusion of Freddy Krueger, which the company lost the rights to in 2019. To remakeMK9,the company would have to overcome the hurdle of including Freddy orKratos from theGod of Warfranchise.
The other issue is on the more technical side of the project, as Ed Boon, long-time Netherrealm Studios Chief Creative Officer and franchise co-creator, has stated. According toEvent Hubs, Boon would love to remake older titles from the company’s history, but it would involveessentially rebuilding them from scratch using modern tech.
A Mortal Kombat 9 Remaster Isn’t Completely Off The Cards
Unlikely Doesn’t Mean Impossible
Fans might be disappointed to hear that showing support for the project won’t be enough to make it happen. However, that doesn’t mean they should completely give up hope. According to Boon,Netherrealm Studios is keeping an open mind regarding remakes.He states that it would be great to bring back an older title like “Mortal Kombat 2 or Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 using today’s technology.”
For now, it seems likely thatMortal Kombat 9will remain elusive for anyone who wants to revisit the classic. But remakes and remasters are potentially in the cards for the future. As Boon puts it, fans should hold out hope, as “one day the stars are going to align and we’re going to make that happen.”
