Let's address the elephant in the room: Mortal Kombat 1 is experiencing a noticeable decline. The decision to scrap Season 3 content due to underwhelming sales is a clear indicator of this downturn. The recent trailer for Pro Kompetition 2025, an esports circuit for the game, doesn't inspire much confidence either. While it's commendable to see an effort to keep the competitive scene alive, the approach seems somewhat lackluster.
The Pro Kompetition 2025 boasts a total prize pool of $255,000, which, by 2025 standards, is modest, even within the Fighting Game Community (FGC). Top players have been vocal about the insufficient prize money, highlighting the unsustainability of traveling internationally for mere hundreds of dollars. This issue needs addressing to keep the competitive spirit alive and thriving.
Image: youtube.com
This year's competitive scene is likely to be divided into two major pools: one competing in North American tournaments and the other in Europe. These groups will only converge at EVO 2025, which is widely regarded as the tournament of the year. This separation could potentially fragment the community and reduce the overall excitement and engagement.
Despite the efforts to generate hype and the emotional appeal of the teased in-game image of T-1000, the underlying situation remains concerning. The community's passion and the game's potential are undeniable, but without substantial improvements in content and competitive incentives, Mortal Kombat 1 risks further decline.
