When was Mortal Kombat first released?
Mortal Kombat was first released in arcades in August 1992, developed by Midway Games. It was created by a team of four people: Ed Boon, John Tobias, John Vogel, and Dan Forden.
Questions about Mortal Kombat
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Mortal Kombat lead to the creation of the ESRB?
The graphic violence in Mortal Kombat, particularly its Fatality finishing moves, triggered a major controversy that was a significant factor in the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in 1994. The ESRB now assigns age-based ratings to virtually all games sold in the United States.
How many copies has Mortal Kombat sold worldwide?
By 2025, the Mortal Kombat franchise had surpassed 100 million copies sold worldwide, making it the best-selling fighting game franchise globally. As of 2022, the figure stood at approximately 79 million units.
What is a Fatality in Mortal Kombat?
A Fatality is a finishing move unique to each character that allows the winner to kill their defeated, defenseless opponent at the end of a match. Fatalities are the most iconic feature of the Mortal Kombat series and were central to the controversies that led to the creation of the ESRB.
Who created Mortal Kombat and what inspired the game?
Mortal Kombat was created by Ed Boon, John Tobias, John Vogel, and Dan Forden at Midway Games, starting development in 1991. John Tobias drew inspiration from Chinese mythology, Shaolin monk lore, and supernatural kung fu films, while the original character concept grew out of a failed deal to make a video game adaptation of the 1992 film Universal Soldier starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
How did the 1995 Mortal Kombat film perform at the box office?
The 1995 Mortal Kombat film grossed $23 million in its opening weekend and earned approximately $70 million in the United States and over $122 million worldwide. Despite mixed critical reviews, it was a financial success and launched the Hollywood career of director Paul W. S. Anderson.