Mortal Kombat Icon Dan Forden Departs NetherRealm Studios After Decades of Influence

Dan Forden, the acclaimed audio director and composer who helped shape the soundscapes of the Mortal Kombat franchise for decades, has announced his departure from NetherRealm Studios.

Recognized throughout the gaming industry for his innovative contributions and iconic in-game moments, Forden leaves behind a rich legacy, notably his beloved 'Toasty' Easter Egg—a fan-favorite feature that has become synonymous with the Mortal Kombat brand. Forden shared the news of his exit via Instagram, marking the end of a more than ten-year tenure at NetherRealm Studios.

His association with Mortal Kombat extends even further back, as he crafted the audio identity for numerous entries, beginning with the original Midway arcade release in the early 1990s.

His work has touched every major installment since, including versions released on modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Forden's influence can be traced through the evolution of the series, from its arcade roots to its position as a flagship title for Warner Bros.

and the eShop on current-gen consoles. One of Forden’s most enduring contributions is the 'Toasty' Easter Egg, which debuted in Mortal Kombat II.

The moment is fondly remembered by fans: after a well-executed uppercut, a small image of Forden would appear in the corner of the screen, shouting "Toasty!" in a distinctly high-pitched voice.

This quirky addition began as a private joke between Forden and series co-creator Ed Boon, stemming from their spirited matches on classic Midway arcade games.

Boon later incorporated the phrase—and Forden’s likeness—into Mortal Kombat II, cementing the Easter Egg’s place in gaming history.

Over time, 'Toasty' grew beyond its origins to become a recurring and celebrated element in subsequent Mortal Kombat titles, inspiring other memorable gags such as "Crispy" and "Frosty." In a farewell message, Forden reflected on his experiences working at NetherRealm Studios.

"Wednesday was my last day at NetherRealm," he wrote on Instagram.

"We created a lot of memorable content together over the years.

I’m very proud of our achievements and the fun we had making those games.

The studio is full of incredibly smart and talented people—expect more great things from them in the future." While Forden hasn’t yet detailed his future plans, he noted that his legacy will persist at NetherRealm Studios, referencing a playful nod to his classic Easter Egg now displayed on a bathroom mirror in the company’s offices.

Expressing gratitude to fans worldwide, Forden added, "I couldn’t have lasted 37 years in the industry if it weren’t for those playing the games we made.

Thank you for supporting our work.

Live long and...

Toasty!" Dan Forden’s departure marks the end of an era for Mortal Kombat, but his signature creativity and humor will continue to resonate with players and the broader game development community, from arcade enthusiasts to competitive gamers on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.

Mortal Kombat NetherRealm Studios Dan Forden NetherRealm developer Ed Boon Midway Nintendo Switch Mortal Kombat II PC Gamer Instagram