Ed Boon poll shows Killer Instinct leads fighting game comeback vote

Ed Boon’s Fighting Game Poll Revives Franchise Interest

Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon posted a poll on September 27, 2026, asking users which fighting game should make a comeback. The options included Riot’s 2XKO, Rumbleverse, Warner Bros.’ cancelled Smash-clone MultiVersus, and Xbox’s dormant Killer Instinct. Killer Instinct quickly captured over 50% of the total vote, dominating the competition and outperforming the other titles in the bracket.

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Despite the strong showing in the community poll, a revival faces hurdles. Microsoft’s gaming division is currently experiencing significant restructuring. Obsidian has been shifted to Bethesda to work on Fallout, and Halo Studios has essentially been shuttered, with the franchise handed off to Call of Duty producers at Activision. These shifts suggest there is likely minimal internal bandwidth at Microsoft right now to explore what a new Killer Instinct project might entail.

The History and Dormancy of Xbox’s Combo-Heavy Fighter

When the Xbox One launched, Killer Instinct served as a standout title for the platform. Reviving Rare’s classic fighting game for a new generation, the title combined accessible mechanics with a deep combo system defined by its satisfying “C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER” announcer call. The game relied on strong post-launch support that introduced fan-favorite fighters alongside crossover characters like RAAM from Gears of War and the Arbiter from Halo.

Despite that early momentum, Killer Instinct ultimately fell into maintenance mode not long after its release. Over the past few years, the game has remained largely dormant, save for occasional updates and balance changes handled by a small team at Xbox. Steam statistics indicate a minuscule active player base numbering in the dozens rather than the hundreds.

Could NetherRealm Studios Take the Reins?

With Microsoft’s internal studios tied up in other projects, a potential revival could theoretically mirror external development partnerships seen elsewhere in the industry. Major influencers, including Maximilian_Dood, have frequently advocated for the franchise’s return. Handing development to Warner Bros.’ studio NetherRealm and Ed Boon’s Mortal Kombat team represents one theoretical path for a cinematic single-player experience.

Such a partnership would allow a new installment to explore Killer Instinct’s lore with a cinematic campaign, alongside franchise expansion potential into television and movies. Characters from other major properties, such as Fallout or Blizzard games, could theoretically cross over. However, it remains entirely unclear whether Warner Bros. would have an appetite for such an arrangement, particularly given its own ongoing efforts to turn Mortal Kombat into a viable movie franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created the recent Killer Instinct revival poll?

Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon posted the poll on September 27, 2026, asking users to vote on which dormant or recent fighting game deserved a second chance.

How did Killer Instinct perform in the poll?

As of writing, Killer Instinct leads the poll by a sizeable margin, capturing over 50% of the total vote against competitors like MultiVersus, Rumbleverse, and 2XKO.

Is Microsoft currently developing a new Killer Instinct game?

There has been no official announcement from Microsoft regarding a new Killer Instinct game. The franchise currently remains dormant, maintained only by a small team handling occasional updates and balance changes.

What crossover characters appeared in the Xbox One version of Killer Instinct?

The game featured guest combatants from other prominent Xbox franchises, including RAAM from Gears of War and the Arbiter from Halo.