Here is my thread on what I think is going to happen for the future of DLC content for MK9.
http://www.trmk.org/forums/showthread.php/22403-Thoughts-on-the-future-of-Kontent-for-MK?highlight=
For those of you too lazy to read, I would surmise that they are releasing 4 characters for the summer, and probably 4 more (hopefully with more costumes, fatalities, and some new levels/content) so there will be no real need to make an MK10. All the characters are here, or will be here, so whats the point of making a sequel when you can just add DLC to everything. Besides, I highly doubt NRS is out to get our money like the CoD franchise. Just keep following Ed Boon's tweets. That just explain everything.
I've been intrigued by similar ideas ever since talks of DLC started up, but I just don't see it playing out that way. It's a pretty solid departure from standard operating procedures.
It's got some major upsides:
- They don't necessarily have to worry about securing retail space to get their product out since it's a digital release
- All that DLC could very well end up costing more to buy than buying a copy of MK10
- Builds off an already successful game rather than having to take a chance with a different game
- It could be very easy for them to bring out an Ultimate Mortal Kombat 9 as new retail release with all the new content for $40-60
But there are some pretty solid downsides too:
- Digital releases would need to be followed up by hard copies put out in stores or they'd miss a certain demographic
- They'd have to be
really confident that this game will age well and remain supported by the fanbase for since a sequel wouldn't hit shelves anytime soon
- The hype for DLC releases wouldn't hit the casual audience as hard as news of a sequel would
- (Relating to above) the casual players will probably have drifted away from the game by the time they start releasing a lot of DLC and won't be looking for more MK until a sequel is announced
Again, it's got a lot of potential and I'd probably support the idea if NRS really made me feel like they knew what they're doing with it, but it seems a bit out there.