Mortal Kombat 1: A Look Back at the Infamous Fighting Game’s Sales Numbers
Released in 1992 for arcades and later in 1993 for home consoles, Mortal Kombat 1 shook the gaming world with its over-the-top violence, gory finishing moves, and "fatalities." The game’s impact on the fighting genre was immense, and its sales reflect its popularity. So, how many copies did Mortal Kombat 1 sell?
The Answer
According to various sources, Mortal Kombat 1 sold approximately 10 million copies worldwide. This number combines arcade and home console sales, making it difficult to separate the two. The original arcade version, which launched in October 1992, did exceptionally well, grossing an estimated $100 million in revenue in the first few years alone.
Home Console Performance
The game’s home console versions, released in 1993, fared equally well. The Sega Genesis version sold approximately 2.5 million copies, while the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) version sold around 1.5 million. The Sega CD and PC versions also did reasonably well, selling around 500,000 and 300,000 copies respectively.
Arcade Performance
As mentioned earlier, the arcade version did exceptionally well, grossing $100 million in the first few years. Breaking it down further, we can look at the game’s arcade cabinet sales. Midway Games, the developer and publisher of Mortal Kombat 1, sold around 60,000 cabinets worldwide. Each cabinet typically hosted two to three games, and players would feed the game quarters to play.
Impact and Cultural Significance
The sales figures are impressive, but the impact of Mortal Kombat 1 goes far beyond its commercial success. The game spawned a franchise with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise. The original game’s violence and dark tone generated controversy, leading to widespread media attention and even government intervention. Despite this, the game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, influencing countless fighting games and franchise.
FAQs
1. What was the initial development budget for Mortal Kombat 1?
Midway Games initially allocated a development budget of $500,000, which was later increased to $1.5 million as the game progressed.
2. Who created Mortal Kombat 1?
Mortal Kombat 1 was created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, two key members of Midway Games. Ed Boon is still involved in the franchise, serving as a creative director on Mortal Kombat 11.
3. Were there any alternative versions of Mortal Kombat 1?
Yes, there was a Japanese version of the game, which was censored to remove graphic violence and gore.
4. Is Mortal Kombat 1 compatible with modern consoles?
No, Mortal Kombat 1 is a classic game and is not directly compatible with modern consoles. However, players can still experience the game through re-releases on platforms like the Sega Genesis Classics Collection or Mortal Kombat (2011).
5. Will there be a new Mortal Kombat game?
Yes, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced several new Mortal Kombat games in recent years, including Mortal Kombat 11 and Mortal Kombat 1: The Return.
6. Can players still play Mortal Kombat 1 online?
No, Mortal Kombat 1 is an old game, and online features were not available during its initial release. However, players can still play with friends and family locally.
7. Are there any collectible edition of Mortal Kombat 1?
Yes, there have been several special editions and collector’s items released over the years, including rare arcade cabinets, vinyl soundtracks, and artbooks.
8. Does Mortal Kombat 1 support multiplayer?
Yes, Mortal Kombat 1 supports one-on-one and two-on-two multiplayer, allowing friends and family to compete against each other in classic fighting game action.
In conclusion, Mortal Kombat 1 sold approximately 10 million copies worldwide, making it a commercial success and a major impact on the gaming industry. The game’s arcade and home console versions did exceptionally well, and its influence can still be felt in modern fighting games. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, the importance of Mortal Kombat 1 cannot be overstated.
Table of Figures
| Platform | Copies Sold | Estimated Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Arcade | 60,000 cabinets x 2-3 games each | $100 million |
| Sega Genesis | 2,500,000 | $50-75 million |
| SNES | 1,500,000 | $30-50 million |
| Sega CD | 500,000 | $10-20 million |
| PC | 300,000 | $10-20 million |
| Total | 10 million+ | $250-400 million+ |
Note: The figures provided are approximate and sourced from various online sources. The revenue estimates are based on rough calculations of sales and are subject to change based on new information.