Longtime sound designer and composer Dan Forden has announced his departure from NetherRealm Studios. Best known to fans as the man behind the iconic “Toasty!” Easter egg in Mortal Kombat, Forden shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt message reflecting on his decades in the industry.
“Wednesday was my last day at NetherRealm,” Forden wrote. “We made a lot of fun stuff over the years. I’m really proud of what we accomplished as well as how much fun we had making that stuff. There are so many smart, talented people there — look for more great things to emerge over the next several years.”
If you ever found yourself in an arcade back in the 1990s and felt the impact of someone on the receiving end of an uppercut, standing while playing Mortal Kombat, that was thanks to Dan’s efforts. He was more than just a meme-worthy face, he was a key creative force at Midway and Netherrealm Studios.
Over the years, Forden created and oversaw music, sound design, and audio direction for many of Midway’s and NetherRealm’s biggest titles. His influence extended beyond those series as well, contributing to projects like Killer Instinct (arcade hardware) and a...
