TRMK Celebrates 15 Years of Covering Mortal Kombat

Jeff Greeson

Administrator
Staff member
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>
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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>

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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.
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<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.
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<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>
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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"/>
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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.
 
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Those old screenshots bring back so many memories. This was my absolute go-to site for MK4 information in 1997 when I was 13. Great times.
 
anyone else notice the first thread listed in the "Hot Forum Topics" on the pic representing the modern version of the site? haha pretty embarassing. We should send that pic back in time and let the people in 1997 see it, they'll be like "WTF?!"


Still though, great job for bringing this place to life.
 
i first came to trmk in late 96 and early 97 looking at mk4 stuff. it was one of the coolest and first big mk sites at that time, along with mk nightmares. i would visit every day at school and print things off (still have the print outs somewhere)

i remember reading stuff about mk special forces sumtime in 98/99.

the best time i had, and the best memories, was in the mkda era. i remember coming here for e3 coverage. in my honest opinion, 2001-2002 was when the mk online community was at its best and at its peek.

trmk will always hold a place on my hart and a place in my childhood memories. ill never forget sitting in the library at school and seeing that first teaser image of "mk5", which was a picture of a number 5 with scorpions face in it. it really takes me back to a time that i wish i could go back to for so many reasons.

i love you guys and i hope you, and mk are here in another 15 years.
 
Ah, yes I vividly remember the forums when I first came on in 2005. They were still using the 2002-style layout (to this day I still love it), and it had one of the best wrestling communities than most wrestling-based boards had at the time. Nowadays, there is an interest bunch of characters around that keep the place lively, but I still miss the old days as well.
 
Wow that 2002 pic sure brings back memories... that's when I first showed up here. Such fond memories. Never thought I'd still be posting here at 31... such a wonderful place.
 
anyone else notice the first thread listed in the "Hot Forum Topics" on the pic representing the modern version of the site? haha pretty embarassing. We should send that pic back in time and let the people in 1997 see it, they'll be like "WTF?!"


Still though, great job for bringing this place to life.

I was thinking the exact same thing about the hot topics in that modern screencap lol.
Anyways, Happy 15th TRMK.
Here's to 15 more.
 
I was thinking the exact same thing about the hot topics in that modern screencap lol.
Anyways, Happy 15th TRMK.
Here's to 15 more.

I guess we'll be forever known as "That Generation" (with eyes being rolled while saying it) of TRMK. But I think it will only get wierder 15 years from now to be honest

And I have a question. Would you rather have a time machine to go back to when these forums just began and become a user, or the far future and become a user there
 
anyone else notice the first thread listed in the "Hot Forum Topics" on the pic representing the modern version of the site? haha pretty embarassing. We should send that pic back in time and let the people in 1997 see it, they'll be like "WTF?!"


Still though, great job for bringing this place to life.

I was thinking the exact same thing about the hot topics in that modern screencap lol.
Anyways, Happy 15th TRMK.
Here's to 15 more.

That's a good point and something I've thought about. I love the extra discussion on the site but may silo the top posts to show the MK section and the non-MK sections separately.

Personally just glad to see the Forum discussions being so great after a release of a game, as Jeff said in the post above it's a new high point for the series for sure.
 
trmk_2002.png


This made me cry inside so very, very much.

<3
 
Hello everyone! Glad to see that this big site finally turns 15.

I agree with everyone, that 2002 layout was so awesome. It brings me back some good old memories. To be honest, for some reason, I will probably remember TRMK forever. You guys probably don't know, but I have spent a lot of time trying to find some MK news, bringing a lot of people here to talk about MK, wrestling, hockey, and sex of course. :)

Seriously, when I was moderator here, I was very proud, even though I was kind of young and immature (and still is btw, I will never be old) I remember talking about Mortal Kombat with my friends, saying hey guys I'm a mod for the biggest MK site ever! Haha I was proud, still proud to be a member. I am not as active as I used to be, but I still come everyday on my phone to get the most recent news about MK.

The time here was awesome when my personal favorite, MK:Deception came out. What a beautiful game, and a beautiful walkthrough that Pat and Jeff gave us. The map thing was awesome, the krypt, coffings and unlockables were so easy to unlock. Seriously, you did a pretty good job. Wow. The other sites couldn't beat it. Thanks alot for that.

I made a lot of good virtual friends, like RIPLIUKANG, Vixen, Disappointed, Jade, Deathcore, Prophet, and a lot more, even Chaos and the weird Kryptonite, which I will always remember for his weird emoticons on msn. Seriously, you guys, and the entire forum members gave me the chance to learn the english language, because I wasn't very good like 6-7 years ago. Now, I can speak it well, and understand about everything the english people says in the real life. Far from perfect, but good enough for my job, career and personal life. And I am very honnest, TRMK gave me all that.

Thank you Jeff, Pat and everyone for your hard work. Seriously. You made out life so easier sometimes. This site will always be remembered, whatever happen. TRMK can't die.
 
SF


Please stop leaving, it hurts my heart :/


I've been a member of just about every MK board out there but TRMK just can't be beat. I dunno what it is, other forums just get boring fast and TRMK never does.
 
Special Forces!! \o/ Glad to see you are still alive and well. The wrestling boards aren't the same without you, Darth Sadistic, The Phenomenal One, etc.
 
Just wanted to throw out a quick congratulations to TRMK; Patrick and Jeff. Been following the site since the beginning, inspired me to make my own MK page back in 97 or 98, which I stopped in 97 or 98 ;) Thank you for your hard work in the past and into the future. It doesn't go unnoticed.
 
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