Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat

A legendary fighting game franchise known for its brutal combat, iconic characters, and groundbreaking Fatality finishing moves that revolutionized the fighting game genre.

Category
Game
Release Year
1992
Origin
USA
Tags
fighting game
martial arts
supernatural
tournament
fatalities
mythology

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Mortal Kombat
Aliases
MK, Mortal Kombat Series
Type
Fighting Game Franchise
Release Year
1992
Status
Active Franchise
Origin
United States
Region
United States

Creation Information

Creator
Ed Boon and John Tobias
Publisher
Midway Games (original), Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (current)
Original Work
Mortal Kombat arcade game
Genre
Fighting, Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Supernatural

Content Information

Synopsis
Warriors from different realms compete in a supernatural tournament called Mortal Kombat to determine the fate of their worlds, featuring brutal combat and mystical powers.
Main Characters
Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Kitana, Shang Tsung
Setting
Multiple realms including Earthrealm, Outworld, Netherrealm, and Edenia
Themes
Honor, revenge, redemption, good vs evil, martial arts mastery, supernatural warfare
Target Audience
Mature gamers, fighting game enthusiasts, action fans

Media Forms

Video Games
Main fighting game series across all platforms
Live Action Films
Multiple theatrical releases and streaming films
Animated Series
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm and other animated projects
Comics
Various comic book series expanding the lore
Merchandise
Action figures, collectibles, clothing, accessories
Books
Strategy guides, art books, novelizations
Digital Content
Mobile games, web series, digital comics
Live Events
Tournament competitions, gaming conventions, esports events
Cross Media Adaptations
Web series, podcasts, fan films

Commercial Information

Sales
Over 73 million copies sold across all games
Revenue
Multi-billion dollar franchise including games, films, and merchandise
Awards
Numerous gaming awards for innovation and impact
Critical Reception
Praised for revolutionizing fighting games and creating ESRB rating system
Cultural Impact
Created the ESRB rating system, influenced fighting game genre
Market Value
One of the most valuable fighting game franchises
Licensing
Extensive licensing for merchandise, media, and crossovers
Merchandise Revenue
Hundreds of millions in collectibles and merchandise
Theme Parks
Theme park attractions and experiences

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Global community of fighting game enthusiasts and competitive players
Communities
FGC (Fighting Game Community), online forums, tournament scenes
Events
EVO Championship Series, Combo Breaker, local tournaments
Quotes
Iconic catchphrases like "Get over here!" and "Finish him!"
Memes
Fatality moves, character catchphrases, tournament moments
Cosplay
Elaborate character costumes, especially ninjas and supernatural beings
Fan Art
Character artwork, custom fatalities, crossover art
Fan Projects
Fan games, tribute videos, combo videos
Cultural References
Referenced in pop culture, other games, and media
Social Media
Strong presence with combo showcases and tournament highlights
Collectibles
Premium action figures, statues, limited edition items

Historical Development

1992
Original Mortal Kombat arcade game released
1993
Mortal Kombat II improves on original formula
1994
Congressional hearings lead to ESRB rating system creation
1995
First Mortal Kombat film becomes box office success
1997
Mortal Kombat 4 introduces 3D graphics
2002
Deadly Alliance revitalizes franchise
2008
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe crossover
2011
Mortal Kombat (2011) reboot receives critical acclaim
2015
Mortal Kombat X introduces new generation
2019
Mortal Kombat 11 concludes trilogy
2021
New Mortal Kombat film released
2023
Mortal Kombat 1 reboots timeline again

Related Links