It seems like it was not very long ago that I was penning the <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/10380/celebrating_ten_years_of_the_realm_of_mortal_kombat.html">announcement of our ten year anniversary</a> back in 2006. Incredibly, I am here again to put down my thoughts on how significant it is for a website covering a single video game series to persevere for 15 years. <b>Mortal Kombat</b> has been an extremely unique series that, ironically, never seems to die. In fact, I can say that with the recently released <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a>, the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> series is at its highest point in popularity for the entire 15 years <b>TRMK</b> has existed.
<div style="margin:auto;width:615px;"><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1997.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1997.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 1997</a></div><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1998.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1998.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 1998</a></div><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1999.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1999.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 1999</a></div></div>
<div style="clear:both;">
It wasn't apparent that <b>Mortal Kombat</b> would ever get to this point in history. In the past five years, there was a major amount of uncertainty surrounding <b>Midway Games</b>, the parent company of the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> franchise. Starting with the <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12456/midway_files_for_chapter_11_reorganization.html">Chapter 11 reorganization filing of Midway Games</a> and the subsequent <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12493/truths_about_midway_offloading_mortal_kombat.html">rumors</a> of <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12563/midway_bonuses_approved_warners_to_purchase.html">selling</a> the <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12586/warner_bros_to_be_first_bidder_in_midway_sale_updated.html">Mortal Kombat franchise</a> to <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12635/warner_bros_remains_as_sole_bidder_for_midway.html">Warner Bros.</a> After all of the dust had settled, <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12662/rip_midway_games_19582009_in_name_only.html">Midway Games</a> was no more, but <b>Mortal Kombat</b> would live on under the new stewardship of <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12650/midway_officially_a_part_of_warner_bros.html">Warner Bros.</a> and the direction of a <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12858/could_wb_games_chicago_get_a_mortal_kombat_rebranding.html">rebranded</a> <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12940/netherrealm_studios_to_release_mortal_kombat_in_march_2011.html">NetherRealm Studios</a>.
After releasing the first ever crossover game in <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_vs_dc_universe/">Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe</a>, the franchise was due for a major overhaul as current generation consoles featured so much opportunity for a "true" mature <b>Mortal Kombat </b> game. <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a> was a game that every fan of any <b>Mortal Kombat</b> game could get excited about. It truly was a game for the fans that stuck by the series, and regained the interests of those who had forgotten about it. Not only has <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a> been a critical and financial success for <b>NRS</b> and <b>Warner Bros.</b>, the <b>TRMK</b> community has grown to its highest levels of participation and readership ever because of the game's successes. With the embracing of <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a> into the competitive fighting game community, the franchise has positioned itself to become a greater impact on the video game industry than it ever has since its inception.</div>
<div style="margin:auto;width:615px;"><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2002.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2002.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 2002</a></div><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2008.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2008.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 2008</a></div><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2010.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2010.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 2010-Now</a></div></div>
<div style="clear:both;">
Thanks to <b>NetherRealm Studios</b> and <b>Warner Bros.</b> for the unprecedented cooperation we have experienced in the last few years. The new <a href="http://www.netherrealm.com">NetherRealm Studios</a> has been an amazing group to work with, given the studio's new-found ability to independently handle their community relations. Thank you to all of the <b>NetherRealm Studios</b> staff members we have come in contact with and to <b>Rigo Cortes</b> for being an invaluable asset to the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> community.
Special heartfelt thanks to <b>Patrick McCarron</b> for taking <b>TRMK</b> to levels I could have never reached by myself. Through his direction and leadership, <b>TRMK</b> has become a true destination for those who are passionate fans of the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> franchise. <b>TRMK</b> successes are due to Patrick's hard work and dedication to the site, along with the excellent staff of <b>Forum Moderators</b> he has assembled. I sincerely appreciate the working relationship Patrick and I have formed throughout the years, and look forward to what we can accomplish in the future.
Finally, it is because of you, the reader, that we are able to continue our passionate work to further the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> community. There have been some very dark days along this 15 year odyssey; however, it is truly apparent that the community remains strong and will continue to be for years to come. With the upcoming 20th anniversary of the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> franchise next year, another chance to celebrate and reflect on a game that has impacted millions across the world will be here soon as well. I am extremely excited at where the next chapter of <b>Mortal Kombat</b> will take us and have never been more confident in its future success. Hopefully at this time five years from now, we will be reflecting upon how far the <b>TRMK</b> community has progressed after two decades.
Sincerely,
<b>Jeff Greeson</b> and <b>Patrick McCarron</b>
The <a href="http://www.realmmedia.com">Realm Media Networks</a> Staff.
</div>
<b style="clear:both;text-align:center;margin:auto;">BIRTHDAY CONTEST</b>
To show our appreciation to our readers over the last fifteen years, we have lined up two weeks of awesome contests for our loyal readers. This week we are giving away two copies Mortal Kombat (2011) that are AUTOGRAPHED by many of the developers at NetherRealm Studios. This contest will run all week and will allow you one bonus entry per day during the week.
To enter head on over to one of the two contest pages that set up for the contests, one <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/26148/TRMK-Birthday-Contest-Autographed-Mortal-Kombat-(2011)-for-Xbox-360.html">for Xbox 360</a> and one <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/26150/TRMK-Birthday-Contest-Autographed-Mortal-Kombat-(2011)-for-PlayStation-3.html">for PlayStation 3</a>. Click the one (or both) that you want to enter below and follow the instructions to enter.
<div style="width:250px;margin:auto;">
<div style="width:125px;float:right;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/26148/TRMK-Birthday-Contest-Autographed-Mortal-Kombat-(2011)-for-Xbox-360.html"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/contest15/automk360_sm.jpg" width=120"/></br>Xbox 360 Contest</a></div> <div style="width:125px;float:right;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/26150/TRMK-Birthday-Contest-Autographed-Mortal-Kombat-(2011)-for-PlayStation-3.html"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/contest15/automkps3_sm.jpg" width=120"/></br>PlayStation 3 Contest</a></div></div>
<div style="clear:both">
We will have a few additional contests to announce in the coming days and weeks as time goes on so stay tuned for further announcements. Until then, let these images be a teaser for what else is in store.</div>
<div style="width:550px;margin:auto;"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/contest15/stick.jpg"/> <img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/contest15/boxes.jpg"/>
</div>
What are your favorite TRMK Memories? Take a trip through our <a href="http://www.trmk.org/oldnews/">News Archive</a> and post a comment about your favorite stories over the years.
<div style="margin:auto;width:615px;"><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1997.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1997.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 1997</a></div><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1998.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1998.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 1998</a></div><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1999.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_1999.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 1999</a></div></div>
<div style="clear:both;">
It wasn't apparent that <b>Mortal Kombat</b> would ever get to this point in history. In the past five years, there was a major amount of uncertainty surrounding <b>Midway Games</b>, the parent company of the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> franchise. Starting with the <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12456/midway_files_for_chapter_11_reorganization.html">Chapter 11 reorganization filing of Midway Games</a> and the subsequent <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12493/truths_about_midway_offloading_mortal_kombat.html">rumors</a> of <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12563/midway_bonuses_approved_warners_to_purchase.html">selling</a> the <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12586/warner_bros_to_be_first_bidder_in_midway_sale_updated.html">Mortal Kombat franchise</a> to <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12635/warner_bros_remains_as_sole_bidder_for_midway.html">Warner Bros.</a> After all of the dust had settled, <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12662/rip_midway_games_19582009_in_name_only.html">Midway Games</a> was no more, but <b>Mortal Kombat</b> would live on under the new stewardship of <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12650/midway_officially_a_part_of_warner_bros.html">Warner Bros.</a> and the direction of a <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12858/could_wb_games_chicago_get_a_mortal_kombat_rebranding.html">rebranded</a> <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/12940/netherrealm_studios_to_release_mortal_kombat_in_march_2011.html">NetherRealm Studios</a>.
After releasing the first ever crossover game in <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_vs_dc_universe/">Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe</a>, the franchise was due for a major overhaul as current generation consoles featured so much opportunity for a "true" mature <b>Mortal Kombat </b> game. <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a> was a game that every fan of any <b>Mortal Kombat</b> game could get excited about. It truly was a game for the fans that stuck by the series, and regained the interests of those who had forgotten about it. Not only has <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a> been a critical and financial success for <b>NRS</b> and <b>Warner Bros.</b>, the <b>TRMK</b> community has grown to its highest levels of participation and readership ever because of the game's successes. With the embracing of <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a> into the competitive fighting game community, the franchise has positioned itself to become a greater impact on the video game industry than it ever has since its inception.</div>
<div style="margin:auto;width:615px;"><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2002.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2002.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 2002</a></div><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2008.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2008.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 2008</a></div><div style="width:205px;float:left;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2010.png"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/history/trmk_2010.png" width=200 height=149 style="width:200px;height:149px;"/><br/>TRMK in 2010-Now</a></div></div>
<div style="clear:both;">
Thanks to <b>NetherRealm Studios</b> and <b>Warner Bros.</b> for the unprecedented cooperation we have experienced in the last few years. The new <a href="http://www.netherrealm.com">NetherRealm Studios</a> has been an amazing group to work with, given the studio's new-found ability to independently handle their community relations. Thank you to all of the <b>NetherRealm Studios</b> staff members we have come in contact with and to <b>Rigo Cortes</b> for being an invaluable asset to the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> community.
Special heartfelt thanks to <b>Patrick McCarron</b> for taking <b>TRMK</b> to levels I could have never reached by myself. Through his direction and leadership, <b>TRMK</b> has become a true destination for those who are passionate fans of the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> franchise. <b>TRMK</b> successes are due to Patrick's hard work and dedication to the site, along with the excellent staff of <b>Forum Moderators</b> he has assembled. I sincerely appreciate the working relationship Patrick and I have formed throughout the years, and look forward to what we can accomplish in the future.
Finally, it is because of you, the reader, that we are able to continue our passionate work to further the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> community. There have been some very dark days along this 15 year odyssey; however, it is truly apparent that the community remains strong and will continue to be for years to come. With the upcoming 20th anniversary of the <b>Mortal Kombat</b> franchise next year, another chance to celebrate and reflect on a game that has impacted millions across the world will be here soon as well. I am extremely excited at where the next chapter of <b>Mortal Kombat</b> will take us and have never been more confident in its future success. Hopefully at this time five years from now, we will be reflecting upon how far the <b>TRMK</b> community has progressed after two decades.
Sincerely,
<b>Jeff Greeson</b> and <b>Patrick McCarron</b>
The <a href="http://www.realmmedia.com">Realm Media Networks</a> Staff.
</div>
<b style="clear:both;text-align:center;margin:auto;">BIRTHDAY CONTEST</b>
To show our appreciation to our readers over the last fifteen years, we have lined up two weeks of awesome contests for our loyal readers. This week we are giving away two copies Mortal Kombat (2011) that are AUTOGRAPHED by many of the developers at NetherRealm Studios. This contest will run all week and will allow you one bonus entry per day during the week.
To enter head on over to one of the two contest pages that set up for the contests, one <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/26148/TRMK-Birthday-Contest-Autographed-Mortal-Kombat-(2011)-for-Xbox-360.html">for Xbox 360</a> and one <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/26150/TRMK-Birthday-Contest-Autographed-Mortal-Kombat-(2011)-for-PlayStation-3.html">for PlayStation 3</a>. Click the one (or both) that you want to enter below and follow the instructions to enter.
<div style="width:250px;margin:auto;">
<div style="width:125px;float:right;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/26148/TRMK-Birthday-Contest-Autographed-Mortal-Kombat-(2011)-for-Xbox-360.html"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/contest15/automk360_sm.jpg" width=120"/></br>Xbox 360 Contest</a></div> <div style="width:125px;float:right;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/26150/TRMK-Birthday-Contest-Autographed-Mortal-Kombat-(2011)-for-PlayStation-3.html"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/contest15/automkps3_sm.jpg" width=120"/></br>PlayStation 3 Contest</a></div></div>
<div style="clear:both">
We will have a few additional contests to announce in the coming days and weeks as time goes on so stay tuned for further announcements. Until then, let these images be a teaser for what else is in store.</div>
<div style="width:550px;margin:auto;"><img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/contest15/stick.jpg"/> <img src="http://www.trmk.org/images/trmk/contest15/boxes.jpg"/>
</div>
What are your favorite TRMK Memories? Take a trip through our <a href="http://www.trmk.org/oldnews/">News Archive</a> and post a comment about your favorite stories over the years.
Last edited by a moderator: