It’s been a formidable decade since the iconic shout of “COMBO BREAKER!” echoed through our gaming consoles. Now, we’re hearing it again as a signal of the glorious return of Killer Instinct.
With the dawn of this year’s EVO tournament, Iron Galaxy and Xbox Game Studios have reunited to ignite the fighting flame once more, promising a substantial update to this beloved classic.
Announced in grand fashion during the renowned EVO event held in Las Vegas, this 10th-anniversary update has set the fighting game community jumping in joy. As James Goddard, design director on Killer Instinct at Xbox, has passionately declared, “You guys made this happen… Let’s go!” this update isn’t just a nod to the game’s illustrious past but a leap into its promising future.
Our friends @IronGalaxy are back! And together, we’re bringing you Killer Instinct's free 10th Anniversary Update later this year – including a balance update, improved matchmaking, and 4K support for Series X|S.
More info coming soon!
— Killer Instinct (@KillerInstinct) August 5, 2023
So, what’s on the plate for Killer Instinct fans? The first one is a balance patch ensuring every punch and kick as well as “COUNTER BREAKER!!!” remains thrilling and competitive. Then comes an improved matchmaking system, intended to make tournaments smoother and easier to engage with. And let’s not overlook the crowning feature: 4K support that’s tailored explicitly for Xbox Series S/X.
Although the game had a prior 4K update on Xbox One X and was backward compatible with the Xbox Series S/X, the emphasis on enhancing the Series S experience is evident.
But Killer Instinct’s journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. Originally developed by Double Helix Games in 2013, it went through a difficult transition after the company’s acquisition by Amazon. Stepping into the arena was Iron Galaxy, the powerhouse behind the game’s second and third seasons. Under their helm, we witnessed the release of Season 2 in 2014 and Season 3 in 2016. And now, as the official Killer Instinct Twitter proclaimed, “Our friends Iron Galaxy are back!” rekindling the magic they sparked in their previous seasons.
Yet, while the game gears up for this update, it’s important to recognize that Killer Instinct is part of a broader return to form of the fighting game community.
With Street Fighter 6 punching its way to the forefront earlier this year and whispers of Mortal Kombat 1 echoing in the distance and, quite possibly, Tekken 8, coming soon as well, the combat arena is more bustling than ever. Games like the aforementioned titles aren’t merely about landing the perfect combo or mastering a character; they’re about the community, the legacy, and the sheer love for the art of fighting.
Reflecting on this ethos, Xbox boss Phil Spencer reminisced about a 2021 interview, highlighting the connection that the Xbox platform holds with Killer Instinct. For Spencer and many at Xbox Game Studios, this game is not just about numbers or sales but the heartbeat of a community that’s been thriving for a decade.
Fingers crossed, we’ll find out as soon as at Gamescom 2023 later this month to find out what’s next for Killer Instinct.
