DC Announces New Mobile Fighting Game, Leaving Injustice Fans Disappointed

Fans of the Injustice series have been eagerly anticipating a new installment for some time, but their hopes have been dashed with the announcement of a different fighting game from DC. The upcoming title, DCKO, is a free-to-play mobile fighting game developed by Drop Fake, Inc., a Canadian independent studio. Unlike the console-focused Injustice games, DCKO is a 2v2 tag fighter that incorporates collectible and RPG elements, allowing players to level up their characters, enhance their stats, and improve their abilities using in-game currency. This mobile game is set to launch in 2027.

The stark contrast between DCKO and the established Injustice franchise has stirred mixed reactions within the fighting game community. Following the release of the announcement trailer on July 20, 2026, many fans expressed their frustration. One YouTube commenter lamented, "DC, this isn’t the time for you to play games and release an Injustice clone. You know what we want." Another user voiced disappointment on X, stating, "Should have been the next NetherRealm game." The comparisons to Multiversus, a platform fighter published by Warner Bros. Games that was removed just a year post-launch, have also been frequent among fans.

It's important to note that DCKO is both developed and self-published by Drop Fake, Inc., although it is officially licensed through Warner Bros. Game Interactive on behalf of DC. The last major release in the Injustice series occurred in 2017, and since May 2025, fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a third installment. This anticipation grew when NetherRealm confirmed it would cease updates for Mortal Kombat 1 to concentrate on its next project, which is rumored to be Injustice 3. Reports emerged in April 2026 that the game is in "active development" at NetherRealm.

Multiple sources, including voice actors for Superman and Aquaman, have inadvertently hinted at their involvement with the new title through now-deleted social media posts. Additionally, an artist's portfolio on ArtStation included Injustice 3, further fueling speculation. Adding to the excitement, Ed Boon, a co-founder of NetherRealm, shared a poll titled 'Best Injustice 1 Super Move Tournament' on X on July 16, which has given fans hope that a new DC fighter from NetherRealm is indeed forthcoming.

While the announcement of DCKO may have thrown a wrench in the expectations of Injustice fans, it appears that NetherRealm remains on track with its development plans, having already made decisions regarding its next game. The future of the Injustice franchise may still be bright, but for now, fans will have to wait and see what unfolds.