In recent times we've been conditioned to expect Mortal Kombat to occur every four years. Over the past few terms, the political and military direction of Outworld has been a hugely significant topic with implications engaging all surrounding realms.

So it is that the enduring reign of Emperor Shao Kahn comes to an explosive end! His popular ascension was seen by some as an evolution of a new Outworld - one that would unite its many distinct cultures. He was a savior in the eyes of some, an unfulfilled promise in the eyes of others. His hands were tied as Outworld pushed to defeat Earthrealm in the Mortal Kombat tournament. When he attempted to force a conclusion by sending troops abroad, he only drew further criticism. He was a moderately divisive ruler, but one whose presence will loom large as Outworld moves forward into a new era of intense uncertainty! Mortal Kombat Online is covering the election as you vote for a new Outworld Emperor!

Since discovering the poll feature on Twitter, NetherRealm Studios Creative Director Ed Boon has taken to asking everything from movie preferences to most desired game content. He returned to the hot button topic of Mortal Kombat X this week, asking fans which news they'd most like to see:

The saga of the Mortal Kombat Encyclopedia has been a long and winding one. Mortal Kombat Online first reported on mounting fan interest for a printed tome in the middle of last year [full story]. In the time since, the project has evolved and escalated under the guidance of dedicated fan Ninja_Arts aka; Myke Snow.

Earlier in the year, Snow provided MK Online with early drafts of the mock-ups that provide proof of concept for the book. The designs provide a hypothetical blueprint for DK Publishing, potential consumers, and the ultimate hold-out: Ed Boon and NetherRealm Studios. Click to enlarge examples below:

Perrenial Creative Director and the Lord and Master of NetherRealm Studios has opened the gates to fandom to ask for preference in an Injustice 2 character poll. Ed Boon's Twitter quiz rated three DC Comics characters, ranging from the legendary to the cult. Results follow:

Much like the announcement for Mortal Kombat X [original story], the sudden arrival of an Injustice 2 Announce Trailer has been felt across the world!

Injustice 2 worked its way into the worldwide trending topics almost immediately after the trailer's release. It signals the sustained power of NetherRealm Studios, and Warner Brothers' developing DC Comics fighting game franchise.

In the last twenty-four hours the trailer has attracted well over 1.5 million views on YouTube! Not quite the ratings juggernaut of Mortal Kombat X, but a very impressive start to a game that didn't have quite the orchestrated preamble that buoyed MKX.

Although only the first sequel to the 2013 fighting game - Injustice taps into the global franchise power of DC Comics, which extends beyond the comics that spawned the characters into feature films, cartoons, toys, video games, and extensive merchandising. Injustice itself spawned various toys and tie-ins, including a hugely successful digital-first comic series that lasted for five years!

Injustice 2 brings several well known characters straight into the fight, not just Batman, but figures from the growing television and film stable: The Flash, Supergirl and Aquaman!

Much like action figures come to life - fans will be able to customize the DC superheroes and villains as they collect various upgrades and accessories.

Will they or won't they? That's been the question surrounding additional downloadable content for Mortal Kombat X. A poll posted by NetherRealm Creative Director Ed Boon asked fans what they'd like to see the studio develop next - and it's DLC that is still dominating fans minds!

Since the dawn of Mortal Kombat there has been a single unifying truth: the will to fight! It is imprinted in all living things - an ancient battle cry echoing in the genetic survival of man and god alike! Victory is a temporary state. There can be no champions without constant challengers! No victory without amassing defeats! For this reason Mortal Kombat has always been - and must always be!

Once a year we extend a traditional invitation to all realms so that one warrior may rise above the rest! In 2015, we greeted a new generation of warriors who joined the fight against Netherrealm invasion in Mortal Kombat X! After months of debate and many tens of thousands of votes, fans chose the fantasy of an unsung hero they hoped to summon: Fujin.

In March, MKX got super-sized and welcomed even more fighters through the komplete edition package of Mortal Kombat XL. Alas; last year's Supreme Champion winner was still beyond mortal reach! With renewed objectivity we must therefore ask the eternal question: Who is the Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion?

The ultimate fan voting tournament has become an annual celebrated tradition on Mortal Kombat Online - summoning the entire fanbase to agree on a single champion from sixty-four fighters! Mortal Kombat XL will inform the bracket for this year, introducing first-time competitors while omitting some old favorites! Read on to learn more about what it all means and how you can join in! Visit the Fan Koliseum to share your votes and discuss battles more in depth!

Hot on the heels of an all male poll [full story]; Mortal Kombat X Creative Director Ed Boon has asked fans which female kombatant they missed most from the best selling tenth installment.

The four character Twitter poll produced a closer race between options, with 1,334 more votes registered than the initial query. Jade was an unsurprising winner with 37%, often commanding a highly motivated cult following. 2011 DLC fighter Skarlet was a more surprising second with 27% of the vote.

One year on from the record release of Mortal Kombat X; NetherRealm Studios Creative Director Ed Boon has polled fans on the controversial subject of absentee characters.

Using a Twitter poll: Boon asked which character fans missed the most, isolating his options to just four characters. With a 45% majority, Noob Saibot was the overwhelming winner. Popularly requested cult favourite Rain came second with 22%.

European gaming site Gamereactor has a new feature interview with Ed Boon discussing some of the basic beats of Mortal Kombat X.

Not a lot of new information to speak of, but the NetherRealm Studios Creative Director and Mortal Kombat co-creator touches on the influence of fandom and how the team manages content. Registered users can give their thoughts on the Mortal Kombat X forum.