We get it, we were just as surprised to find out that Mortal Kombat 1 isn’t going to have “kross-play” at launch.
Fighting game enthusiasts can hardly contain their enthusiasm as Mortal Kombat 1 approaches its official release on September 19. Only a few days remain before then. While fans anxiously await NetherRealm Studios‘ upcoming game, the developer has revealed some information that may disappoint some.
Recently, NetherRealm Studios confirmed on social media that Mortal Kombat 1 will debut without cross-play, which is a grave mistake in the modern era.
For those who are unaware, crossplay, also known as “Kross-Play” according to the makers, lets gamers from several video game consoles battle against one another. This is unexpected news, especially considering the early signs that suggested otherwise.
Launch is just around the corner and we can t wait for everyone to sink their teeth into #MK1. Regarding Kross-Play, it will not be available at launch, but know we are hard at work at implementing the feature into the game and it will be koming post launch. pic.twitter.com/M8Kvi4QkMe
Mortal Kombat 1 (@MortalKombat) September 12, 2023
Before, rumors circulated that this feature would be added after a FAQ on the game’s official website referenced cross-play and cross-progression compatibility “post-launch.” But shortly after, this information was taken down, which confused some gamers and fans. There was a brief crossplay tag on MK1’s Steam page, but it was quickly removed again, raising questions about the studio’s intentions.
The decision’s ambiguity is exacerbated by the fact that the cross-play functionality of Mortal Kombat 11, MK1’s predecessor, was limited to the PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
Fans who were anticipating that this feature would be expanded to include PCplayers will find that the current state of affairs is worrisome and extremely unsatisfactory. Some hailed Mortal Kombat 1 as a true next-generation experience. Without cross-play, it is insufficient, especially considering that several of its rivals—Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, the latter of which is scheduled for release in 2019—have welcomed cross-platform play.
For those who pre-ordered the Premium Edition of Mortal Kombat 1, early access will begin on September 14. The game will officially debut five days later.
In a somewhat comforting development, the company is promising fans that the functionality will be added after launch, albeit the precise release date is yet unknown.
Conversely, Mortal Kombat 1 appears to be a major development for the brand. With a wide range of both well-known and unique characters, the game aims to provide players with an immersive experience. With Megan Fox voicing Nitara and Jean Claude Van Damme finally providing his face for Johnny Cage, a character modeled after the main character in the 1988 film Bloodsport, there’s a lot of enthusiasm about the inclusion of celebrity involvement. In addition to revealing cross-play, NetherRealm Studios unveiled an exhilarating launch video. The reappearance of Reiko, the first action shot of Shang Tsung, and of course the gory, iconic Fatalities from the franchise delighted the fans. Additionally, the first Kombat Pack—which will eventually include more fighters and characters—is mentioned.
The last game was released four years ago, and now we have this one. Mortal Kombat 1 will keep many of the beloved elements from the franchise, like its distinctive combatants and iconic deaths, even if it is a reboot.
Regarding cooperative gameplay, it is still unknown if Mortal Kombat 1 will support cross-progression, a feature found in Mortal Kombat 11 for systems that are similar to the PS4 and PS5. However, cross-platform play between Mortal Kombat 1 and its newer platforms—the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch—is quite doubtful given that the game will only be accessible on these systems.
In the end, some fans may view the delay in adding crossplay to Mortal Kombat 1 as a small setback. The good news is that NetherRealm Studios has confirmed that it is being worked on, so players can anticipate an even more enhanced experience whenever it launches.