NetherRealm Studios, best known as the developers of the Mortal Kombat and Injustice video game series, have been hit with mass layoffs.
At least 50 people have been affected by the downsizing of the Warner Bros. Games subsidiary, according to multiple reports on Thursday, July 18.
Staff Members Share Thoughts on Social Media
The layoffs have mostly affected the mobile team, which was shut down entirely. NetherRealm Quality Assurance Analyst and Software Developer Tony Lazzara was among those affected.
"Unfortunately, yesterday NetherRealm's mobile team was shut down. A ton of very talented people were put out of work," he posted on LinkedIn. "We had live services on multiple titles such as Mortal Kombat Mobile, Injustice 2, and Mortal Kombat Onslaught."
"I was also affected," Lazzara added.
"It hurts me to announce I've been laid off from NetherRealm Studios after about 10 years of working there," Animator Elizabeth Ramirez stated, while also seeking for new opportunities to continue her career in game or film.
It is unclear if NetherRealm plans to exit the mobile segment entirely. Both the developer and its parent company Warner Bros. Games have yet to release an official statement about the matter.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught Confirms Shutdown
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, the series' mobile game entry that is available on Android and iOS, also confirmed that they will cease their operations in October.
"It has been an honor creating this game for our Kommunity, and we appreciate the enthusiasm from our fans," the team behind the game posted on its official account on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "In the coming weeks we will share specific timing of the close of the game."
The title was initially released last year on October 17, 2023, giving it a lifespan of about a year.
Warner Bros. Discovery acknowledged last February that it was anticipating a "tough year" after disclosing that sales of the shooter game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League had not met expectations.
Warner Bros. Discovery executive J.B. Perrette, who serves as CEO of the Global Streaming and Games division, stated last March that they would shift their focus to more profitable intellectual properties, such as Hogwarts Legacy (the Harry Potter franchise in general), as well as MultiVersus.
This recent layoffs at NetherRealm are the latest addition to the total of more than 10,000 people who have lost their jobs in the video game industry this year alone.
