NetherRealm Studios

Last updated

NetherRealm Studios
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Video games
Predecessor WB Games Chicago
FoundedApril 20, 2010;13 years ago (2010-04-20)
Headquarters Chicago, Illinois, US
Key people
Products
Parent Warner Bros. Games
Website netherrealm.com

NetherRealm Studios is an American video game developer based in Chicago and owned by Warner Bros. Games. Led by video game industry veteran and Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon, the studio is in charge of developing the Mortal Kombat and Injustice series of fighting games. [1]

Contents

History

On February 12, 2009, Midway Games filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States. [2] [3] Warner Bros. subsequently acquired "substantially all of the assets", including Mortal Kombat, This Is Vegas and the Midway Games company structure, on July 10, 2009. [4] [5] While Warner Bros. went on to close most of Midway Games' Chicago headquarters and San Diego, California and Liverpool, England, development studios, they retained the Midway Games Chicago development studio, which became part of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (now Warner Bros. Games). [6] [7] The remaining studio was renamed WB Games Chicago several days later. [8] [9] On April 20, 2010, the studio was reincorporated as NetherRealm Studios, replacing WB Games Chicago. [10] [11]

NetherRealm Studios' first game, was the ninth installment in the Mortal Kombat series, the title was released in April 2011. Their first game of original intellectual property, Injustice: Gods Among Us , based on the DC Universe, was released in 2013. [12] [13] The success of the two games allowed the development of respective sequels; Mortal Kombat X in 2015 and Injustice 2 in 2017. [14] [15] Also, NetherRealm developed Android and iOS versions for Batman: Arkham City Lockdown , Batman: Arkham Origins , and WWE Immortals . The company also developed Mortal Kombat 11 , which was released on April 23, 2019. [16] On October 18, 2022, NetherRealm announced that they are working on Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, a cinematic collection role-playing mobile game that will be released in 2023. [17] [18]

Games developed

YearTitlePlatform(s)Notes
2011 Mortal Kombat Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360 Microsoft Windows Version developed by High Voltage Software
Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Android, iOS
2013 Injustice: Gods Among Us Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Android, iOSPlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows versions developed by High Voltage Software; PlayStation Vita version developed by Armature Studio
Batman: Arkham Origins Android, iOS
2015 Mortal Kombat X [lower-alpha 1] Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneMicrosoft Windows version initially ported by High Voltage Software, later replaced by QLOC
Mortal Kombat Mobile Android, iOS
WWE Immortals Android, iOS
2017 Injustice 2 Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOSMicrosoft Windows version ported by QLOC
2019 Mortal Kombat 11 Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia Microsoft Windows version ported by QLOC; Nintendo Switch version ported by Shiver Entertainment
2023 Mortal Kombat: Onslaught Android, iOS
Mortal Kombat 1 Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo SwitchMicrosoft Windows version ported by QLOC; Nintendo Switch version ported by Shiver Entertainment and Saber Interactive

Controversies

Shortly after the launch of Mortal Kombat 11, several independent declarations from former employees came through about the studio's alleged practices and general working conditions during the development of their last four games, in what they described as a toxic workplace with common instances of gender discrimination, as well as severe crunch time. [19] [20] [21] In May 2019, NetherRealm released a statement saying "At NetherRealm Studios, we greatly appreciate and respect all of our employees and prioritize creating a positive work experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage diversity and constantly take steps to reduce crunch time for our employees. We are actively looking into all allegations, as we take these matters very seriously and are always working to improve our company environment. There are confidential ways for employees to raise any concerns or issues." [22] Following the statement, NetherRealm gave the studio the weekend off. [23]

The same month, another article by Kotaku reported on the mental toll the developers were taking on by developing such excessively violent video games—one developer detailed stories about how the team would view pictures and videos of murders or animal slaughter as reference material, which would cause nightmares and eventual insomnia, with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. [24]

Notes

  1. ↑ Later released as Mortal Kombat XL.

Related Research Articles

Midway Games Inc., known previously as Midway Manufacturing and Bally Midway, and commonly known as simply Midway, was an American video game developer and publisher. Midway's franchises included Mortal Kombat, Rampage, Spy Hunter, NBA Jam, Cruis'n, and NFL Blitz. Midway also acquired the rights to video games that were originally developed by Williams Electronics and Atari Games, such as Defender, Joust, Robotron: 2084, Gauntlet, and the Rush series.

Sub-Zero (<i>Mortal Kombat</i>) Mortal Kombat character

Sub-Zero is the name used by two characters in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. They are depicted as two Chinese brothers who are ninja warriors of the Lin Kuei clan and principally defined by their blue attire and ability to control ice in many forms. Sub-Zero, as either brother, is the only series character to have appeared in every main installment of the series, along with being featured as the protagonist of the spin-off Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnny Cage</span> Mortal Kombat character

Johnny Cage is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. Introduced in the original 1992 game, he is an action movie star with an extensive martial arts background. The series depicts Cage as one of the primary heroes defending Earthrealm from various threats, as well as the comic foil. In the rebooted timeline, Cage is also the love interest to Special Forces officer Sonya Blade and the father of their daughter Cassie. He is inspired by martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme, particularly Van Damme's character, Frank Dux, in the 1988 film Bloodsport. A staple of the franchise, Cage has appeared in various media outside of the games. Reception to the character has been generally positive for his role in the series, character development, gameplay, and Fatality finishing moves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shao Kahn</span> Mortal Kombat character

Shao Kahn is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. Depicted as emperor of the fictional realm Outworld, he is one of the franchise's primary villains. Feared for his immense strength, which he complements with a large hammer, and knowledge of black magic, Shao Kahn seeks conquest of all the realms, including Earth. He serves as the main antagonist final boss of Mortal Kombat II (1993), Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and its updates, and the 2011 reboot, as well as the action-adventure spin-off Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005). An amalgam of Shao Kahn and DC Comics villain Darkseid also appears as the main antagonist and final boss of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008) under the name Dark Kahn. A younger persona known as General Shao appears in Mortal Kombat 1 (2023).

Ermac Mortal Kombat character

Ermac is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. Debuting as an unlockable character in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995), he is an amalgam of the souls of deceased warriors and possesses telekinetic abilities.

Jax (<i>Mortal Kombat</i>) Mortal Kombat character

Jackson "Jax" Briggs is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. Introduced in Mortal Kombat II (1993) as the leader of a Special Forces unit, he became a mainstay of the series, including as the protagonist of the action-adventure spin-off Mortal Kombat: Special Forces (2000). The character is distinguished by his metal bionic arms, which he first received in Mortal Kombat 3 (1995), and his abilities are based around his upper-body strength.

Kung Lao is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. He debuted in Mortal Kombat II (1993) as a Shaolin monk and close friend of series protagonist Liu Kang, and his trademark characteristic is his wide razor-brimmed hat that he uses as a weapon. Kung Lao is depicted as one of the series' primary heroes, including a main role in the action-adventure spin-off Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005).

Kenshi (<i>Mortal Kombat</i>) Mortal Kombat character

Kenshi Takahashi is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. He makes his series debut in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002) as a blind swordsman and Special Forces operative. In addition to his sword skills, he possesses telekinetic abilities.

Scorpion (<i>Mortal Kombat</i>) Mortal Kombat character

Scorpion is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. A ninja dressed in yellow, his primary weapon is a kunai rope dart, which he uses to harpoon opponents. Debuting in the original 1992 game, Scorpion has appeared as playable in every main installment except Mortal Kombat 3 (1995).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Boon</span> American video game producer

Ed Boon is an American video game programmer, voice actor, and director. Boon was employed for over 15 years at Midway Games. Since 2011, he has worked for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for one of its Subsidiaries, NetherRealm Studios.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warner Bros. Games</span> American video game publisher

Warner Bros. Games is an American video game publisher based in Burbank, California, and part of the Global Streaming and Interactive Entertainment unit of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The publisher was founded as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on January 14, 2004, under Warner Bros. Entertainment and transferred to its Home Entertainment division when that company was formed in October 2005. Warner Bros. Games manages the wholly owned game development studios TT Games, Rocksteady Studios, NetherRealm Studios, Monolith Productions, WB Games Boston, Avalanche Software, and WB Games Montréal, among others.

<i>Mortal Kombat</i> Video game series and multimedia franchise

Mortal Kombat is an American media franchise centered on a series of fighting video games originally developed by Midway Games in 1992.

<i>Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe</i> 2008 video game

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a 2008 fighting video game developed and published by Midway Games for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game is a crossover between Mortal Kombat and the DC Universe, and is the eighth main installment in the Mortal Kombat franchise. The game was released on November 16, 2008.

<i>Mortal Kombat</i> (2011 video game) 2011 fighting video game

Mortal Kombat is a 2011 fighting game developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It is the ninth main installment in the Mortal Kombat series and a soft reboot of the series. The game was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 systems in April 2011, and a PlayStation Vita port was released in May 2012. An expanded version of the game, titled Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition, was released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in February 2012 and for Microsoft Windows in July 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liu Kang</span> Mortal Kombat character

Liu Kang is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. Depicted as Earthrealm's greatest warrior and champion, he debuted in the original 1992 game as a Shaolin monk with special moves, which were intended to be the easiest for players to perform. Since his introduction, Liu Kang has appeared as playable in every main installment except Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002). He is also one of the protagonists of the action-adventure spin-off Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005).

<i>Injustice: Gods Among Us</i> 2013 video game

Injustice: Gods Among Us is a 2013 fighting video game. It is the first installment in the Injustice franchise based upon the fictional universe of DC Comics. The game was developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 3, Wii U, and Xbox 360. It was released in April 2013 in North America, Europe, and Australia, and June 2013 in Japan. An expanded version of the game, titled Injustice: Gods Among Us – Ultimate Edition, was released in November 2013 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, and Xbox 360. A free-to-play mobile app based on Injustice was also released for iOS and Android devices, which was then ported to arcade machines by Raw Thrills in the fall of 2017, months after the sequel's release. A prequel comic book series of the same name, written by Tom Taylor, was released beginning in January 2013.

Raiden (<i>Mortal Kombat</i>) Mortal Kombat character

Raiden is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. Based on the Japanese deity Raijin, he is depicted as the god of thunder who possesses control over lightning. He debuted in the original 1992 game and has appeared as a playable character in every main installment except Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and its first update. In the storyline of the games, Raiden is the protector of Earthrealm. He fulfills his duty by selecting and training the warriors who defend Earthrealm from various threats, while also participating directly in the realm's defense. Raiden generally serves as a mentor figure to the franchise's heroes, although he sometimes assumes a darker role in the story, which sees him become more ruthless in his protection of the realm. One of the franchise's central characters, Raiden has appeared in various related media outside of the Mortal Kombat games, including guest appearances in NBA Jam Tournament Edition (1995), NFL Blitz (1997), Unreal Championship 2 (2005), and Injustice 2 (2017). He has generally received a positive reception and is among the series' most popular characters for his design and special abilities.

<i>Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection</i> Compilation of three fighting video games

Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection is a 2011 video game co-developed by NetherRealm Studios, Other Ocean Interactive and Code Mystics and published by Warner Bros. Games. It is a compilation of three classic 2D fighting games in the Mortal Kombat series: Mortal Kombat (1992), Mortal Kombat II (1993) and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995). The game was created after an ambitious previous incarnation, an HD remake project titled Mortal Kombat HD Arcade Kollection, was cancelled. Arcade Kollection was released as a downloadable title for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in August 2011, and for Microsoft Windows on February 1, 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cassie Cage</span> Mortal Kombat character

Cassie Cage is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by NetherRealm Studios. She debuted in Mortal Kombat X (2015) as the daughter of martial arts actor Johnny Cage and Special Forces officer Sonya Blade. Possessing the fighting prowess of her parents, she follows their footsteps by becoming a Special Forces soldier and leading a new generation of warriors in defending Earthrealm. Cassie is featured as the main hero of Mortal Kombat X's story mode and plays a prominent role in her other appearances.

<i>Injustice 2</i> 2017 video game

Injustice 2 is a 2017 fighting video game. It is the sequel to 2013's Injustice: Gods Among Us and the second installment in the Injustice series which is based on the DC Universe. It is developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game was initially released in May 2017 for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One; a Windows version was released later in November 2017. An expanded version of the game, titled Injustice 2: Legendary Edition, was released in March 2018 for the PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. Similar to the previous installment, a companion mobile app was released for Android and iOS devices. A prequel comic book series of the same name, written by Tom Taylor, was also released beginning in April 2017.

References

  1. ↑ McWhertor, Michael (August 24, 2010). "What's Next For Mortal Kombat, NetherRealm Studios". Kotaku . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  2. ↑ Lee, James (February 12, 2009). "Midway US files for reorganisation in Bankruptcy Court". GamesIndustry.biz . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  3. ↑ Crecente, Brian (February 12, 2009). "Midway Files for Bankruptcy". Kotaku . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  4. ↑ McWhertor, Michael (July 10, 2009). "Warner Bros. Now Owns Midway, Mortal Kombat". Kotaku . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  5. ↑ Thorsen, Tor (July 14, 2009). "Midway Newcastle shuttered, Chicago layoffs 'imminent'". GameSpot . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  6. ↑ Thorsen, Tor (July 16, 2009). "Midway's Chicago HQ closing, final buyout price $49 million". GameSpot . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  7. ↑ Gilbert, Ben (July 17, 2009). "Midway execs get the boot, entire Chicago dev team acquired by WB". Engadget . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  8. ↑ Gilbert, Ben (July 27, 2009). "Mortal Kombat team sheds Midway skin for 'WB Games Chicago'". Engadget . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  9. ↑ Martin, Matt (July 28, 2009). "Mortal Kombat studio becomes WB Games Chicago". GamesIndustry.biz . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  10. ↑ Nunneley, Stephany (April 9, 2010). "Warner trademarks Netherrealm Studios". VG247 . Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  11. ↑ O'Connor, Alice (June 10, 2010). "Mortal Kombat Returning to '2D' Roots". Shacknews . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  12. ↑ Kubba, Sinan (January 15, 2013). "Injustice: Gods Among Us hits April 16, Battle Edition revealed". Engadget . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  13. ↑ Purchese, Robert (January 15, 2013). "Injustice: Gods Among Us release date 19th April". eurogamer.net. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  14. ↑ Plagge, Kallie (January 9, 2017). "Injustice 2 Release Date Revealed [UPDATE]". GameSpot . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  15. ↑ Fahey, Mike (February 14, 2017). "Injustice 2 Doubles Up On Cats". Kotaku . Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  16. ↑ Fahey, Mike (December 6, 2018). "Mortal Kombat 11 Announced, Launching Globally April 23". Kotaku .
  17. ↑ "Mortal Kombat: Onslaught is a new mobile game coming in 2023". October 18, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Collection RPG Mortal Kombat: Onslaught announced for iOS, Android". October 18, 2022.
  19. ↑ "NetherRealm's self-sustaining culture of crunch". GamesIndustry.biz. May 3, 2019.
  20. ↑ Chalk, y.; Fenlon, Wes (April 26, 2019). "Former devs speak out about 'severe crunch' at Mortal Kombat studio". PC Gamer. PCGamer.
  21. ↑ Kim, Matt (May 2, 2019). ""This Is How They Get Away With It:" Former NetherRealm Studios Contract Devs Reveal a Troubling Studio Culture". Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  22. ↑ Lanier, Liz (May 4, 2019). "'Mortal Kombat 11' Game Devs Allege Toxic Work Conditions at Warner Bros. Interactive's NetherRealm".
  23. ↑ Lanier, Liz (May 9, 2019). "NetherRealm Investigating Worker Concerns After Studio-Wide Meeting".
  24. ↑ "'I'd Have These Extremely Graphic Dreams': What It's Like To Work On Ultra-Violent Games Like Mortal Kombat 11". Kotaku. May 8, 2019.
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