Welcome to a year of unparalleled excitement for the fighting game community! 2023 is shaping up to be the best time to dive into this thriving genre, with highly anticipated releases like Mortal Kombat 12, Street Fighter VI, and Tekken 8. Let’s explore the history and popularity of these iconic titles, discuss the ever-growing popularity of fighting games, and dive into some exciting rumors.
Mortal Kombat 12:
Announced during a financial call, Mortal Kombat 12 is set to release in 2023, though no specific month has been confirmed. Since its debut in 1992, Mortal Kombat has been a staple in the fighting game community, renowned for its brutal finishing moves and gore. Mortal Kombat 11 gained immense popularity due to its impressive graphics, expansive character roster, and engaging story mode. With such a successful predecessor, fans eagerly anticipate the new features and enhancements Mortal Kombat 12 will bring to the table.
Street Fighter VI:
The legendary Street Fighter series continues with the upcoming release of Street Fighter VI. Since its inception in 1987, this iconic franchise has grown in popularity, thanks to its diverse roster of characters and fast-paced gameplay. Street Fighter V was widely praised for its depth, balance, and online play, setting high expectations for Street Fighter VI. Set to shake things up with new player-friendly mechanics and updated visuals, fans eagerly await its release in June 2023.
Tekken 8:
Finally, we have Tekken 8, the sequel to the highly praised Tekken 7. Since its first release in 1994, Tekken has earned its place among the top fighting games of all time with its unique blend of 3D combat, intricate combo system, and diverse character roster. Tekken 7 was lauded for its engaging story, fluid gameplay, and stunning graphics. Tekken 8 aims to deliver more intense, high-stakes action with fresh additions to the roster, including a possible guest appearance from the Dead or Alive series.
The Popularity of Fighting Games:
Fighting games have always been popular, but their growth has been impressive in recent years. For example, the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), one of the largest fighting game tournaments, saw its attendance grow from around 4,000 in 2013 to over 10,000 in 2019. Additionally, in 2021, Mortal Kombat 11 sold over 12 million copies worldwide. These stats and fun facts demonstrate the ever-growing popularity of fighting games.
Future Hopes and Rumors:
As we celebrate these exciting releases, many of us hope for announcements of other fan-favorites. For instance, based on the release cycle of older titles, a new Super Smash Bros game could be just one or two years away. Additionally, after the Dead or Alive 6 was seemingly abandoned, fans hope for a resurrection of the beloved series in the form of a new Dead or Alive game to be released during this new and exciting wave of fighting games.
Conclusion:
The year of fighting games is upon us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Which of these titles are you most looking forward to, and why? Let us know in the comments and join the conversation about the exciting world of gaming. Until next time, happy gaming, and may the best fighter win!
