It feels like it’s been another lifetime since Killer Instinct was released for the Xbox One back in 2013. The fighter certainly had an interesting development cycle as it switched hands from Double Helix Games to Iron Galaxy.
Eagle ended up being the final DLC character released for Killer Instinct back in 2017. Developers would later release the Killer Instinct Anniversary Edition alongside a major balance patch in late 2023 just to show that they hadn’t forgotten about the franchise.
Sadly, there hasn’t been any other developments regarding the Killer Instinct series since then. We even recently learned that members of the core development team for Killer Instinct 2013, Double Helix Games, are now part of Quarter Up, a new development studio working on Invincible Vs.
Curiously, Ed Boon recently begun a poll asking followers about a continuation of the Killer Instinct series. This is certainly an interesting poll considering that Midway Games, which has since been succeeded by NetherRealm Studios, once acted as the publisher for Killer Instinct during the ’90s era.
It might seem farfetched to think that Ed Boon and NetherRealm Studios could be involved with a future Killer Instinct entry, but the timing is interesting nonetheless. Notably, DLC for NetherRealm Studios’ latest release, Mortal Kombat 1, has been wrapped up, allowing NetherRealm Studios to move on to their next project.
Regardless, Boon’s poll options are gauging if fans would prefer the free-to-play model over a $70 price tag. Additionally, he wants to know if Killer Instinct should be an Xbox exclusive or if the series should come to other platforms.
Check it all out below:
Best way to bring back Killer Instinct..
— Ed Boon (@noobde) February 24, 2026
