Mortal Kombat 11 is already controversial, but not for the reasons that fans of the ultra-violent series might expect. NetherRealm’s latest entry in the franchise has already come under fire for the designs of its female characters, with the studio having moved away from the sexualized depictions of the women in its roster (and facing an unfortunate amount of criticism for doing so). Now a scene depicting the villainous Shao Kahn making a reference to Donald Trump is doing the rounds online, with the character stating his intentions to “make Outworld great again.”
In the scene, Shao Kahn urges Mortal Kombat 11 newcomer Kollector to “let us make Outworld great again,” which is presumably a reference to the US president’s 2016 campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.” The reference wasn’t lost on Mortal Kombat fans, who promptly began sharing the scene on Twitter:
Shao Kahn: "Make Outworld Great Again" infro 🤣 #MK11 @MortalKombat pic.twitter.com/eudn4XW697
— 𝗞𝕾𝗜𝗞 (@_KSIK_) April 22, 2019
In Mortal Kombat 11, Shao Kahn has lost control of Outworld and returns displeased with it being under the rule of Kotal Kahn. Kotal previously usurped Mileena for the role of Outworld’s Emperor, and is described as a leader who is less concerned with taking over other realms and more preoccupied with strengthening his own.
We’ve yet to play through MK11‘s story, so we can’t comment on if it features any more references to current events. However, considering that multiple complaints surfaced regarding Kahn’s comment ahead of its launch, it seems that many have jumped to judge the game before getting the chance to play it.
Previously, some Mortal Kombat fans were up in arms over some of the redesigns its cast had faced. With the game’s story depicting older versions of characters meeting up with their younger selves, many among the game’s roster appear much different from their previous designs.
This was previously addressed by Steve Beran, Mortal Kombat 11‘s art director, who said that the series’ design was becoming “more mature and respectful.”
“You’re not going to wear a bikini to a fight. You’re not going to be showing so much skin,” Beran told Polygon. “I think it’s just what the game is about: You’re going in to fight for your life, and you’re not going to be wearing such scantily clad items.”
