Insight
As a game that’s become the champion of its league it had to remain true to nostalgia, but propel itself into the future.
Idea
Launch with a cinematic trailer that features an original soundtrack by the rapper Wiz Khalifa, broadening the title’s appeal whilst simultaneously keeping true to its legacy through edgy, hardened action.
Gain a huge new following through an engaging and radical social media content strategy that promotes remixed, illustrious images that are personalised to the character being showcased.
Transform downtown L.A. into a glorious gallery of all things Mortal Kombat, feature it in a tailored launch film, and flood the streets outside E3 with incredible homages to the franchise’s revered characters.
Design exemplary packaging, including a limited Kollector’s Edition that features intricate and discerning sculptures that reflect the artistry involved. Construct and galvanise the entire graphics kit, compose a modernised style guide for the developer and hone Mortal Kombat's legendary logo and logotype into a design that’s fitting of the future of the title.
Impact
The trailer reached over 10 million views and preorders broke all previous records.
Mortal Kombat X became the biggest selling Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment title of all time, without sacrificing its fighting roots.
AKQA is a design and innovation company that employs over 6,500 professionals across 20 countries. Named Digital Agency Global Network of the Year in Campaign’s 2023 Global Agency of the Year Awards, AKQA was also awarded the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Digital Craft in 2023, and the Grand Prix for Design in 2021. In 2023, AKQA was recognised as a winner in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards. AKQA also won Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas in 2021, and 2022 and led Gartner’s research into global marketing agencies in 2021.