Culver City Playtests Confirm NetherRealm’s Unannounced 2D Fighter, Likely Injustice 3

Key points

• A listing on Good Gamer Group for a 'major 2D fighting game' in Culver City was deleted but captured by Kotaku and EventHubs.
• The location aligns with Warner Bros. Games headquarters, and the genre excludes known upcoming titles like Virtua Fighter Crossroads.
• NetherRealm hired QA testers and designers in 2026, with job descriptions referencing usability test feedback.
• Voice actors for Superman and Aquaman previously hinted at returning to the Injustice series in 2025.
• An artist’s resume listed Injustice 3 in April 2026, and Ed Boon teased the series in May 2026.
• Industry consensus points to a 2027 release, potentially announced at The Game Awards in December 2026.

Background

Injustice 2 released in 2017, leaving a nine-year gap. NetherRealm shifted to a four-year cycle after Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), following Mortal Kombat 11 (2019). Prior rumors of Injustice 3 emerged in 2025 but lacked concrete proof. The studio has not officially confirmed the project, though Ed Boon stated in May 2026 that the team is 'definitely doing more' alongside a new Mortal Kombat game.

How outlets are covering it

Eurogamer and EventHubs emphasize the playtest listing as the strongest evidence, citing the Culver City location and 2D genre as unique identifiers. KitGuru highlights the long development gap and NetherRealm’s prioritization of Mortal Kombat titles, noting that Injustice 3 may be the only major DC game for years. GameGPU focuses on the 2027 release timeline and platform availability, including PS5 Pro. All sources agree the project is likely real but differ on the certainty of the Injustice branding versus a potential new Mortal Kombat entry.

Why it matters

This confirms NetherRealm is actively developing a new AAA fighting game outside the Mortal Kombat series, filling a significant gap in DC superhero gaming since Injustice 2. A 2027 release would mark the studio’s return to the Injustice franchise after nearly a decade.

What to watch

Watch for announcements at The Game Awards in December 2026 or New York Comic Con in October 2026. NetherRealm may release a trailer or confirm the title soon, as the playtest indicates active development and testing phases.