Mortal Kombat’s “Toasty!” Legend Dan Forden Exits NetherRealm After 30 Years
2025-10-04
Image credit: AI-generated by Gemini Imagen
The soundscape of Outworld is about to change. Dan Forden, the veteran sound designer, composer, and the iconic voice behind Mortal Kombat’s famous “Toasty!” catchphrase, has announced his departure from NetherRealm Studios. In a move that signals a true end of an era, one of the last remaining members of the original Mortal Kombat development team is stepping away after more than three decades of shaping the franchise’s audio identity.
Forden confirmed the news himself through a personal post on his social media account, bringing a close to a remarkable 30-year tenure that began with the series’ inception in the arcades. His work has been a foundational pillar of the franchise, a constant presence from the impactful in-game sound effects to the memorable character select music that has been a defining feature of the franchise. His exit marks a significant transition for NetherRealm, which now faces a future without one of its original creative forces.
The Voice of a Franchise
For millions of players, Dan Forden is more than a name in the credits; he is an indelible part of their gaming memories. While his compositions and sound design have been critical to the series' atmosphere, he is most famously known for the high-pitched exclamation of "Toasty!" that has become a beloved easter egg. According to reports from GameSpot, this legendary soundbite originated as an inside joke among the original development team before becoming one of gaming’s most recognizable audio cues.
Forden’s departure is more than just the loss of a key developer; it’s the severing of a direct link to the franchise's origins. As noted by PC Gamer, he was a cornerstone of the team for over 30 years, a period spanning the franchise’s entire history since its inception in the arcades. His influence is woven so deeply into the fabric of the series that his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
An Outpouring of Gratitude
The community response to Forden's announcement has been swift and heartfelt. Reports from across the industry describe an overwhelming wave of respect and nostalgia, as fans and fellow developers took to social media to celebrate his contributions. The reaction underscores his legendary status, with many acknowledging his work as an inseparable part of the Mortal Kombat experience.
In his public statement, Forden expressed his own gratitude for his long career with the studio. "After 30 amazing years, I've decided to leave NetherRealm Studios," he wrote, as cited by GameSpot. "It's been a privilege working with one of the best teams in the business and being a part of Mortal Kombat's history. I'm excited for what's next, but I'll miss all the talented people at NRS. Thank you to the fans!"
The road ahead for both Forden and Mortal Kombat remains unwritten. Key details are still unknown; the reason for his departure has not been specified, and NetherRealm Studios and its parent company, Warner Bros. Games, have yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Crucially, there is no word on who will assume his monumental role or how this change will impact the audio direction of future installments. For now, the franchise stands at a turning point, preparing to move forward without the man whose voice has echoed through its arenas for three decades.
Sources:
- IGN: https://www.ign.com/articles/the-voice-behind-mortal-kombats-toasty-is-leaving-netherrealm
- GameSpot: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-mortal-kombat-legend-is-leaving-netherrealm-studios/1100-6535204/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
- PC Gamer: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fighting/the-guy-who-says-toasty-in-mortal-kombat-has-left-netherrealm-after-more-than-30-years-with-the-team/