NetherRealm Studios' next and currently unannounced game has been steeped in rumors and speculation since Mortal Kombat 11's developed and content ceased. It was recently confirmed that NetherRealm is not at the helm of Warner Bros. Interactive's MultiVersus, though MultiVersus itself had been revealed as a legitimate leak before its announcement.
NetherRealm's plate is then clear of rumors about MultiVersus, but there is a plethora of other potential franchise sequels or fresh IPs that could still be deduced from the developer. Mortal Kombat 11's cinematic reveal trailer was offered as a world premiere at The Game Awards back in 2018, and a recent tease may confirm the developer's return to Geoff Keighley's stage this month.
NetherRealm's latest rumored tease comes from an exchange between prominent FGC competitor HoneyBee and Jonathan Andersen, a Designer and Senior Production Manager at the studio. HoneyBee's inquiry into whether or not December will be "the month we find out what NRS is working on" was met soon thereafter with Andersen replying with the wide-eyed emoji, saying that they were "looking respectfully." With HoneyBee clearly referring to The Game Awards, Andersen's cheeky response suggests that there will in fact be something to look forward to from NetherRealm.
Details concerning whether it might be a Mortal Kombat game, an Injustice game, or a completely new IP are not shared. Andersen's response is not a confirmation, of course, and Andersen would surely not want to intentionally tarnish a world premiere's surprise reveal with less than a week before The Game Awards. But perhaps NetherRealm does want excitement toward a potential announcement of some sort and is currently observing how fans are taking to recent rumors.
This response has nonetheless reached many influential figures in NetherRealm's fighting game community, and no further statements or clarifications have been made from Andersen or NetherRealm as of yet. NetherRealm's Creative Director, Ed Boon, has had to previously field speculation about Keanu Reeves' involvement in a future NetherRealm game, and it seems as though NetherRealm must tread carefully now in order to not mislead suggestible fans.
But while an announcement at The Game Awards is still a supposed rumor and not a confirmed tease, there is only less than a week to wait before fans may or may not hear about NetherRealm's latest project, when all rumors and speculation can finally be given closure.
The Game Awards 2021 premieres on December 9 at 5:00 PM PST.
