Dan Forden, the celebrated audio director for both Midway and NetherRealm Studios, indelibly linked with the legendary “Toasty!” exclamation in Mortal Kombat II since its debut in 1993, has announced his retirement. He concludes his remarkable tenure at the studio, which he joined in 1989, marking an impressive 36 years in the gaming industry.
Forden shared this significant news publicly via his Instagram account, accompanying his announcement with an image that thoughtfully paid homage to his initial “Toasty!” appearance within the game, a moment cherished by fans worldwide.
“Wednesday marked my final day at NetherRealm. We created many enjoyable projects over the years, and I am immensely proud of our achievements and the fun we had in the process. The studio is filled with intelligent and gifted individuals, and I anticipate more remarkable developments from them in the coming years. I particularly appreciate the small, personal touches left around the studio, such as the `Toasty` tribute on a bathroom mirror. My lengthy 37-year career in the industry wouldn`t have been possible without the dedicated fans who played our games. Thank you all for your continuous support of our work. Live long and… Toasty!”
Addressing the reason behind his decision to step down, Forden explained his motivation in the comments section of his post: “I felt I had dedicated sufficient time to my role and wished to allocate that time towards my personal interests.” This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the audio pioneer.
For fans eager to revisit classics, many of Forden`s early contributions to the franchise will be showcased in the upcoming Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection. This highly anticipated collection is scheduled for release on consoles and PC on December 12. Notably, it will also reintroduce previously hard-to-find PS1-era spin-offs: Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Mortal Kombat Special Forces, making them accessible to a new generation of players and nostalgic enthusiasts alike.
In related developments, NetherRealm Studios confirmed earlier this year that no further downloadable content (DLC) would be released for Mortal Kombat 1. The studio has yet to officially unveil its next major title, leaving fans speculating about future projects. Additionally, an art-book retrospective titled Mortal Kombat: Flawless Victory is set for release on October 21. While its original debut was intended to align with the film sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, the theatrical release of the movie has since been rescheduled to May 15, 2026.