Digital Eclipse Revives Mortal Kombat with Legacy Kollection Release

Digital Eclipse, a prominent studio known for its meticulous preservation of retro video games, has officially announced the upcoming release of the "Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection." This collection will feature the first four games of the iconic Mortal Kombat franchise, along with a variety of ports, including arcade, console, and handheld versions. The announcement was made during Sony's State of Play presentation in June 2025, marking a significant milestone for the studio in their ongoing mission to celebrate and preserve video game history.

The head of production at Digital Eclipse, Stephen Frost, expressed the excitement surrounding the project, stating, "It's a long time coming." Frost, who previously worked on the successful "Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection" in 2018, reflected on the initial aspirations to work with other fighting franchises such as Killer Instinct, but acknowledged that Mortal Kombat was always the ultimate goal. Negotiations with Warner Bros., the franchise's owner, had stalled previously, but conversations reignited following the success of Atari's "50: The Anniversary Collection" in 2022.

According to Frost, the deal was finalized late last year, and he described the moment as "like a Christmas holiday present." The Legacy Kollection aims to provide an exhaustive history of Mortal Kombat, including not only the more popular versions but also lesser-known ports that fans may hold dear. Dan Amrich, content editor at Digital Eclipse, noted that every player has their own unique version of Mortal Kombat that they cherish, regardless of its technical merits.

The collection aims to celebrate this diversity by including various iterations of the games, even if they are not the most polished. Amrich stated, "One of the things that became clear to me early on is that everybody has their version of Mortal Kombat." He emphasized the importance of offering players the opportunity to experience different versions of the game, which often evoke strong memories and nostalgia.

In addition to the games, the Legacy Kollection will feature online play and additional content yet to be announced. Frost hinted at potential complications regarding rights and scope but remained optimistic about the future of the collection, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an element of mystery in the Mortal Kombat franchise.

The Legacy Kollection aligns with a broader industry trend focused on re-releases and remasters. As Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, pointed out, publishers are increasingly recognizing the financial potential of their extensive back catalogs. Frost added that discussions surrounding game preservation are becoming more common within the industry, indicating a shift toward valuing historical content.

"The process of Digital Eclipse digging through companies' archives tends to spark conversations about preservation," said Frost. Digital Eclipse has taken the initiative to involve fans in the preservation process, collaborating with individuals behind various Mortal Kombat fan sites to unearth valuable historical materials, including a pre-order bonus poster for "Mortal Kombat II."

The firm's focus on preserving video game history extends beyond high-profile franchises. Digital Eclipse aims to balance their projects, engaging with both iconic IPs and lesser-known titles that shaped the industry. Frost expressed his desire to continue exploring intimate, low-scale experiences while also pursuing larger projects that can sustain the business.

Looking to the future, both Frost and Amrich shared their aspirations for potential projects. Frost expressed interest in creating a collection dedicated to lesser-known mascot characters from the 16-bit era, while Amrich revealed his passion for reviving the car combat genre through a project inspired by the classic game "Interstate '76."

As Digital Eclipse prepares for the release of "Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection," the anticipation among fans and industry veterans alike highlights the importance of preserving the rich history of video games. As the industry continues to evolve, the efforts of companies like Digital Eclipse ensure that the legacies of iconic franchises like Mortal Kombat will endure for generations to come.