Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition

Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition now unavailable for purchase on Steam

The game is still playable for those who own it.
This article is over 4 years old and may contain outdated information

Officially billed as the Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition, the 2011 installment of Mortal Kombat has recently been removed from the Steam storefront. According to its Steam page, the ninth installment in the mainline Mortal Kombat series was removed from sale at the request of the publisher, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

Recommended Videos

Of course, those who already have the game can still play it. However, according to an update on its official website, those who do own it will no longer have access to the “message of the day” feature. This likely means no more official in-game updates from the studio. Previously, the messages might have notified players of in-game events and patch notes.

The notice also mentions network changes for console versions of the game. This includes the complete removal of online content for the PlayStation 3 version. It’s difficult to say what’s happening behind the scenes with NetherRealm’s servers, as the studio has had recent issues with Mortal Kombat 11 too.

The possible reasons

As reported by PC Gamer, some fans have theorized that Freddy Krueger could be responsible for the game’s removal. This is indeed possible, as the U.S. rights to Nightmare on Elm Street reverted from Warner Brothers to the Wes Craven estate last year.

Legally speaking, once a film is 35 years old, its rights can return to the writer. Craven passed away in 2015, but his estate handled this legal acquisition. And, of course, the ownership of the film coincides with ownership of Freddy Krueger, the iconic dream stalker. The fact that WB had previously owned both properties explains why Krueger showed up in Mortal Kombat in the first place.

Perhaps we can expect the game to someday return to Steam without the iconic slasher character. In the meantime, players will have to remain content with the game’s two successors, Mortal Kombat X and 11. Both of these, at least, continue to be available on Steam.


PC Invasion is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Alex Johnson
Alex Johnson
Alex has been playing video games since the 90s. He's your resident Roller Coaster Tycoon fan. You can find him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/alexzolom">@alexzolom</a>