The guys over at ConsoleGold, who recently put together a timeline of the history of the Mortal Kombat franchise leading up to MK: Deception, have updated with the first post-MKD interview with series creator Ed Boon. The interview focuses on the success of the game, which was released last month, and provides insight into how Ed Boon feels about the impressive sales of Mortal Kombat: Deception over its predecessor MK: Deadly Alliance, which was released in November of 2002. From the interview:

I suspected the game would do well but as far as HOW WELL, yes I am surprised. Deadly Alliance has sold over 3 million units which was more than I would have guessed. So when I heard that Deception was selling 35% faster than Deadly Alliance did I was very surprised. When we started Deception, our goal was to do the unexpected. We really wanted to add much more (unexpected) content to Mortal Kombat, rather than just make Deadly Alliance 2. With Deception being the fastest selling Midway game in history we feel like we made the right choices.

The interview also contains a few comments from Ed Boon regarding the next action adventure game in development, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. When asked if this title, which is slated for a release in Fall of 2005, would be a prequel Ed stated:

Its not a prequel to MK1 but it does take place before Deception. Shaolin Monks takes place between MK1 and MK2 and it stars Liu Kang and Kung Lao. It’s an action adventure game that has a very elaborate kombat system and allows for 2 players at the same time. The game is coming out in the fall of 2005.

To read this interview in full click here. Special thanks goes out to that man in black for the heads up.

While the exact phone type/provider is unknown as of right now, THQ Wireless has updated their site that the original Mortal Kombat is available now as a Java game. Since most of their other mobile phone games have some kind of screenshot included on the site, it's likely that pictures of Mortal Kombat may appear soon there as well. Click here to check out their Mortal Kombat section, and here to read the original press release.

Cincinnati-based online game developer Games Inc. has issued a press release announcing that they are teaming up with Midway Games to bring online and wireless versions of several classic Midway games, including Mortal Kombat! The press release mentions that the ports of Mortal Kombat and other games will be "individual and multi-player online tournament and league versions". From the press release:

CINCINNATI, Nov. 3, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Games Inc. (OTC BB:GMSI.OB - News) will launch new Online and Wireless versions of many of Midway Games Inc.'s (NYSE:MWY - News) classic Arcade Game titles. Games will distribute these classic titles through their own Web properties, adding to their other branded games offerings.

Roger Ach, CEO of Games Inc., welcomed the Midway addition, saying, ``Midway's Classic Arcade games will be another important component of our goal to make Games, Inc. the centerpiece of Branded Online multi-player and single-player content. Midway and relationships such as this, serve as more examples of how Games is focused on executing its business plan to strengthen our Branded Online multi-player and single-player content and build shareholder value.''

These games are currently under development by Games, Inc. and the initial titles will launch in early January, subject to the execution of a definitive agreement. Games, Inc. expects the Midway properties to be immediately accretive to earnings in the quarters after launch.

The press release does not mention which MK games will be ported over. We'll be checking up on this development, and as we learn more, we'll be sure to report it here!

To read the press release in its entirety, click here.

IGN, hot on the heels of last week's official announcement, Midway Games has supplied them with a total of thirteen new screenshots from the up and coming Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. From their article:

Slated for fall 2005 on Xbox and PS2, this new action-adventure game could finally bury our nightmarish memories of MK: Mythologies. With its crisp graphics, single or dual-person 3D play, and with a focused, capable team behind it, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks promises the kind of fun many gamers for years have hoped to have with the MK license. And it looks as if Midway is giving Boon's team a real chance to flesh out the game by giving them time and resources. Here's hoping for an excellent new start.

To view these screenshots head over here. Special thanks goes out to Mortal Kombat Online member DECEPTION for the heads up!

To further emphasize Midway's strong resurgence in the gaming industry, CNN/fn has interviewed Ed Boon, creator of the Mortal Kombat series. The interview covers a broad range of topics, from the history of Mortal Kombat's violence to the impact that Mortal Kombat: Deception is making for Midway Games.

To download the interview, click here (Windows Movie File - 18.9MB).