Will NetherRealm Studios Make Arcade Games?

Highly unlikely. NetherRealm Studios (NRS) has focused exclusively on console/PC fighting games (Mortal Kombat, Injustice) since its 2010 formation. Several factors make arcade development improbable:

• Market Reality: Western dedicated arcade market collapsed decades ago; remaining revenue is in Japan (rhythm, fighters, UFO catchers) and FECs (redemption, VR).
• Development Cost: Arcade hardware (custom PCBs, JAMMA, specialized cabs) requires separate QA, compliance, distribution—high risk for niche returns.
• Game Design: NRS titles are built for gamepad/stick on standard hardware; translating to arcade cabs (different controls, pay-per-play pacing) demands redesign.
• Business Model: Warner Bros. (owner) monetizes via premium sales, DLC, mobile (MK Mobile), not coin-op.

Remote Possibilities

• Licensing to ExA-Arcadia / Raw Thrills / Bandai Namco: A partner could port MK1 or Injustice 3 to modern arcade PC hardware (e.g., ExA, Taito Type X). Precedent: Guilty Gear -Strive-, Street Fighter 6 on arcade cabs in Japan.
• Location Test / Promo Cab: One-off cabinet at EVO, Combo Breaker, or WB studio tour—not commercial release.

Expect NRS to stay console/PC/mobile. Arcade fighters are now a Japanese/licensed niche.