A surprising new update for Injustice 2 has been released today that might very well indicate that NetherRealm Studios is now working on Injustice 3.
This development comes mere weeks after NetherRealm announced that it would end its ongoing Mortal Kombat 11 instead of shifting its focus to a new project. And although we might still be waiting a bit longer to learn what that new game is, all signs start to point to Injustice 3 being the next title on the docket.
Injustice 2 and 3 are on the floor, Surprisingly.
We have some interesting news on injustice 2. The game got an update today, which tweaks a few things, nothing major. However, despite it not being a major change, some see a sign that maybe an injustice 3 is in the works.
This is due to the fact the update seems to be out of nowhere. You can understand why as when support a game stops, it stops. So why then do the update now? Begs a few questions.
“These new file types that have been added to Injustice 2 are labeled as “Upsell” in the game’s patch history, which seems to indicate that NetherRealm is preparing to add in-game ads of some sort to the title. While it might be hard to see how this involves Injustice 3, oftentimes, when developers are preparing to release new games, they’ll advertise those new products within the confines of their previous titles.
Read Mortal Kombat is palling something big.
So assuming that this is a practice that NetherRealm might be looking to do for itself, it clearly seems as though the beginning stages of these in-game ads within Injustice 2 could point to a new Injustice project.”
Injustice 3 is also in row.
Artist BossLogic (AKA Nikolai Baslajik) has posted an intriguing image on Twitter that teases Injustice 3. Technically it’s ‘Injustic3’, but I can’t bring myself to type that more than once.
It’s not entirely clear if this is official, but BossLogic has done lots of official artwork for games, including the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla reveal, and plenty of Street Fighter art. There’s also the little matter of DC’s upcoming Fandome event on August 22, so the timing seems about right. BossLogic also happens to be attending the virtual event, and he’s tagged NetherRealm Studios creative director Ed Boon.
A big old clock dominates the image, which could reference the Watchmen sequel Doomsday Clock. There’s also the little smiley face on the left-hand side of the clock, which is a dead ringer for the yellow badge that Watchmen’s Comedian wears. So, Watchmen characters in Injustice 3? Doctor Manhattan would certainly be an interesting character to play as.
If Injustice 3 is announced at the Fandom event, it would be in fine company. After a brief tease, similarly, on Twitter, it’s looking like Rocksteady will officially reveal its next game at the event, which is based on the super villainous antics of Suicide Squad.
The Bottom Line
Over the past few months, speculation has been running rampant about what NetherRealm could look to do next. While Injustice 3 is widely considered the game that the studio will cook up next, other rumors have circled indicating that the developer could work on something in tandem with Marvel. That being said, if these new in-game ads for Injustice 2 do come to fruition in the future, it would seem more likely for Injustice 3 to be NetherRealm’s next game. After all, advertising for a Marvel game within Injustice 2 seems a bit unlikely.
What do you think about this new development associated with Injustice 2 and NetherRealm? And what game would you like to see the studio work on next? Share your thoughts either down in the comments or hit me up on Twitter at @9to5game if you would like to chat more.
