Mystery NDA Playtests in California Fuel Injustice 3 Rumors
An unnamed AAA 2D fighting game is undergoing NDA-covered playtests in Culver City, California, leading to speculation that it is Injustice 3. The event targets experienced competitive players and aligns with recent job postings and developer hints from NetherRealm Studios.
Key points
- Good Gamer Group listed an unreleased AAA 2D fighting game for playtests this weekend in Culver City, California.
- The listing requires testers to rank in the top 25% of a major 2D fighting game, indicating a competitive focus.
- No currently announced 2D AAA fighting games fit this description, ruling out titles like Virtua Fighter Crossroads or Dead or Alive 7.
- NetherRealm Studios is the only active developer of AAA 2D fighting games in the Americas, making them the likely creator.
- Recent job postings for QA and design roles at NetherRealm mention usability tests, matching the current playtest activity.
- Ed Boon previously confirmed work on new projects beyond Mortal Kombat, including potential Injustice titles.
Background
NetherRealm Studios released Mortal Kombat 1 in 2023, extending their usual two-year cycle. Post-game content for that title ended in May 2025. Injustice 2 has been inactive for five years, but a mysterious Steam update appeared in March 2026. Ed Boon has teased new projects since May 2026, including posting old Injustice gameplay clips.
Why it matters
The existence of an unannounced AAA 2D fighting game in development signals a significant expansion in the genre’s competitive landscape. If confirmed as Injustice 3, it would mark the first new entry in the series since 2017 and introduce a major new title to the fighting game market.
What to watch
The game may be revealed at New York Comic-Con in October 2026 or The Game Awards in December 2026. Further leaks or official announcements from NetherRealm Studios or Warner Bros. Games are expected in the coming months.
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