Why is mk1 hated

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) reboot released in 2023 faced criticism primarily for its aggressive monetization practices, including a $10 USD premium currency fee for seasonal fatalities and a $70 USD base game price with microtransactions. Technical issues at launch, such as inconsistent online connectivity and balance problems with characters like Raiden and Johnny Cage, frustrated players. Additionally, the game's story mode, while praised for its narrative, was criticized for being relatively short at about 6-8 hours, leading to perceptions of poor value compared to previous entries.

Key Facts

Released in September 2023 by NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games
Base game priced at $70 USD with microtransactions for cosmetics and gameplay features
Seasonal fatalities cost $10 USD in premium currency, sparking backlash over pay-to-win concerns
Launch marred by online connectivity issues and character balance problems affecting competitive play
Story mode criticized for short length of 6-8 hours, compared to longer campaigns in earlier Mortal Kombat titles

Overview

Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) is a 2023 fighting game developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Games, serving as a soft reboot of the long-running Mortal Kombat series that began in 1992. The game was released on September 19, 2023, for platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It introduces a new timeline following the events of Mortal Kombat 11 (2019), with Fire God Liu Kang reshaping the universe, featuring redesigned characters and a fresh narrative. Historically, the Mortal Kombat franchise has been acclaimed for its visceral combat, deep lore, and innovation in the fighting genre, but MK1 faced immediate scrutiny upon release due to its business model and technical performance, contrasting with the generally positive reception of its predecessor, which sold over 12 million copies worldwide by 2021.

How It Works

MK1's criticism stems from its monetization mechanisms and gameplay systems. The game employs a dual-currency system: standard in-game currency earned through play and premium currency (Dragon Krystals) purchased with real money. Key features like seasonal fatalities, which are special finishing moves tied to limited-time events, require Dragon Krystals, costing around $10 USD each, leading to accusations of pay-to-win elements as they can impact gameplay. Additionally, the $70 USD base price includes microtransactions for cosmetic items and character skins, creating a perception of double-dipping. Technically, the game uses Unreal Engine 4 but suffered from online connectivity issues at launch, such as lag and disconnections in ranked matches, and balance problems where characters like Raiden and Johnny Cage were considered overpowered, disrupting competitive fairness. These factors combined to alienate players expecting a more polished and equitable experience.

Why It Matters

The backlash against MK1 has significant real-world impact in the gaming industry, highlighting growing consumer resistance to aggressive monetization in full-priced titles. As a major franchise with over 80 million units sold across the series, MK1's reception influences industry trends, pushing developers to reconsider pricing and microtransaction strategies. For players, the issues affect gameplay enjoyment and competitive integrity, potentially reducing long-term engagement and esports viability. This case underscores the importance of balancing profitability with player satisfaction, as negative feedback can harm brand reputation and sales, with MK1's Metacritic user score dropping to around 4.0/10 shortly after release, compared to critic scores near 85/100.