How Mortal Kombat (and moral panic) changed the gaming world

The release of Mortal Kombat in 1993 sparked a moral panic over video game violence, leading to the establishment of the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The game's hyperviolent content and fatalities, inspired by 80s horror films, became a cultural phenomenon, influencing the gaming industry's shift towards more mature content. The controversy also highlighted the console wars, with Sega capitalizing on the gore and Nintendo attempting to maintain a family-friendly image. Mortal Kombat's legacy is evident in its continued influence on the industry and its adaptability across various platforms.