Mortal Kombat 12 is coming soon and it is going to be everywhere. It may not garner the national attention of a game like Grand Theft Auto 6, but it is a high enough profile that everyone who is into games will be aware of it (especially our kids). There will be clips of the violence all over social media, and streamers will be playing it like mad. This is going to influence a lot of kids (maybe even your own) to ask for it. Below is all the information we have about it so far so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to let your kids play.
What We Know About Mortal Kombat 12 So Far
All that we know about Mortal Kombat 12 is that it is in development and will be released by the end of the year.
The MK team released a video on 05/01/2023 that hinted at things to come!
What is the Mortal Kombat 12 Release Date?
We don’t have a confirmed release date yet. We don’t even really have a release window yet. There is still a lot of 2023 left though, so it is possible it could release this year if it is announced during the summer.
What Kind of Game is it?
Mortal Kombat is a popular video game franchise that has been around since the early 90s. At its core, Mortal Kombat is a fighting game that features a cast of characters with unique abilities and move sets. Players fight against each other in one-on-one battles until one player is declared the winner. The game is known for its emphasis on gore and violence, with finishing moves (fatalities) that are designed to be graphic and over-the-top.
One of the core MK elements that draw a lot of attention is the Fatality system. Each best-of-three match ends with an opportunity for the victor to input a special move and be “rewarded” with an intensely violent animated scene where their character kills their opponent. These fatalities are so brutal that I honestly can’t even embed a video.
Franchise Popularity
Despite the controversy surrounding the franchise, Mortal Kombat remains popular among gamers. The franchise has sold over 49 million copies worldwide and has become a cultural icon in the gaming community. Fans eagerly await the release of each new installment, and Mortal Kombat 12 is no exception.
The Potential ESRB Rating for Mortal Kombat 12
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Mortal Kombat is the potential ESRB rating. The ESRB is the organization responsible for assigning age ratings to video games. Games are rated based on their content, with ratings ranging from “Everyone” to “Adults Only.” While we don’t know what rating Mortal Kombat 12 will receive, previous installments in the franchise have received “Mature” ratings. They simply are not intended for children. I can’t imagine a world where Mortal Kombat 12 doesn’t receive an M rating after review.
The only exception to the M ratings for MK games was a game called “Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.” This was a crossover game that featured Mortal Kombat characters facing off against DC heroes like Batman, The Flash, and Super-Man that was rated T for Teen.
Mortal Kombat 11 included the ESRB rating descriptors “Blood and Gore”, “Intense Violence,” and “Strong Language.” It sure does earn those descriptors, too. Matches are full of ultraviolent moves that show blow splashing, bones breaking, and internal organs being dismembered. I’m a grown man and I have trouble watching some of the fatalities.
It is Up to the Parents
Ultimately, it is up to parents to decide whether or not Mortal Kombat is appropriate for their children. While the game is not intended for children, some parents may feel comfortable allowing their children to play the game under their supervision. Others may choose to avoid the game altogether.
The Importance of Parental Controls and Monitoring
For parents who do choose to allow their children to play Mortal Kombat, it is important to set boundaries and monitor their children’s gameplay. Play with them if you can. This will give you a more complete view of the content they are consuming than any guide ever could. You should also talk to them about the games they are playing and the content in them so you can understand how the content is making them feel.
Alternatives to Mortal Kombat for Kids
There are plenty of alternative games that offer similar gameplay without the gore for parents who are uncomfortable with the violence in Mortal Kombat. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Street Fighter VI, and Tekken 7 are all popular fighting games that are rated either E 10+ (Super Smash Bros.) or T for Teen (Street Fighter and Tekken).
You can also check out our EFG Essentials lists for additional alternatives.
- Video Games for kids on Xbox One
- Video Games for kids on PS4
- Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
- Board Games for kids