When it comes to unforgettable gaming catchphrases, few can rival the sheer impact of “Toasty!” from NetherRealm’s legendary fighting series, Mortal Kombat. This week brings news that the iconic voice behind that very phrase is moving on from the studio, a moment sure to spark nostalgia for countless fans.
Dan Forden, the brilliant audio director, has been a cornerstone of the Mortal Kombat universe since his days at Midway and through its evolution into NetherRealm Studios, a tenure stretching all the way back to 1989. Gamers will instantly recognize his distinct falsetto yell of “Toasty!” that bursts onto the screen after a particularly satisfying uppercut. This beloved Easter egg made its debut in 1993’s Mortal Kombat II and quickly cemented its place as one of gaming’s most cherished and recognizable voice lines.
Now, after decades of contributing to gaming history, Forden is indeed stepping away from NetherRealm. He shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing immense pride in the studio’s achievements during his time there.
“Wednesday was my last day at NetherRealm. We made a lot of fun stuff over the years. I’m really proud of what we accomplished as well as how much fun we had making that stuff,” Forden wrote. “There are so many smart, talented people there — look for more great things to emerge over the next several years. I love the little touches that people left around the studio like this little Toasty homage on the bathroom mirror.
“I wouldn’t have lasted 37 years in the industry if fans weren’t out there playing the games we made. Thanks to all of you for supporting what we’ve done. Live long and… Toasty!”
When asked in the comments about his decision, Forden simply explained, “I figured I’d been around long enough. Want to reclaim that time for my own interests.”
Forden’s departure comes during a period of uncertainty for NetherRealm, a studio owned by Warner Bros. Back in May, fans of Mortal Kombat 1 were disheartened when the studio confirmed that no further DLC characters or story chapters would be released for the game. This shift was reportedly to allow NetherRealm to concentrate on their “next project.”
In August, development chief Ed Boon revealed that Mortal Kombat 1 had sold over 6.2 million copies. While a strong number, it notably trails its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 11, which became the franchise’s best-seller, surpassing Mortal Kombat X’s nearly 11 million units shortly after launch. By 2022, Mortal Kombat 11 had already sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. It’s clear that Mortal Kombat 1 has not quite matched the commercial success of previous titles in the series.
While NetherRealm keeps details about its next endeavor under wraps, speculation heavily points towards Injustice 3, a continuation of their popular DC Comics fighting game series.
Beyond the main studio, the Mortal Kombat universe remains active. Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari, is set to launch at the end of October. Additionally, the highly anticipated movie sequel, Mortal Kombat II, has seen its release date pushed back from October 24, 2025, to May 15, 2026. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema reportedly believe the movie, featuring stars like Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, and Lewis Tan, will perform better during the competitive summer box office, especially given the enthusiastic fan reception to its trailer.
Image credit: Atari / YouTube.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos.