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Dan Forden announced in October 2025 that he had left NetherRealm Studios. His reported final day was October 1. Forden is a longtime sound designer and audio director, a member of the original Mortal Kombat team, and the person most fans associate with the series’ “Toasty!” Easter egg. The 37 years refer to his career in games—not the age of Mortal Kombat.
When did Dan Forden leave NetherRealm?
Forden said, “Wednesday was my last day at NetherRealm,” in a farewell message reproduced by GameSpot on October 3, 2025. GameSpot reported that his last day was October 1. The report also said Forden joined Midway in 1989, before the studio’s games business became part of the history that continued at NetherRealm.
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The account of his departure and comments comes from reporting on his Instagram message and a reply to a comment; the original posts were not directly available in the reporting used here. In the reported reply, Forden said: “I figured I’d been around long enough. Want to reclaim that time for my own interests.” He also thanked fans, saying, “I wouldn’t have lasted 37 years in the industry if fans weren’t out there playing the games we made.” GameSpot reported the farewell and comments.
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What did Forden do on Mortal Kombat?
Forden worked in sound across the series’ history and was one of the original Mortal Kombat team. Co-creator Ed Boon’s tribute, reproduced by Time Extension, called him “1/4 of the original Mortal Kombat team” and credited him with a major role in the games’ sound and presentation. Boon said Forden had begun his “well earned retirement” after an “incredible 37 year career.” Time Extension reported Boon’s tribute.
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Why fans know him as the “Toasty!” guy
Forden’s most recognizable appearance for many players is the “Toasty!” Easter egg: his face pops up during gameplay with the spoken exclamation. It became a signature bit of Mortal Kombat’s humor and presentation, making the sound team member himself part of the franchise’s on-screen personality. PC Gamer’s coverage connects Forden’s departure with the Toasty Easter egg.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do the 37 years mean Mortal Kombat is 37 years old?
No. The 37-year figure describes Forden’s career in the games industry, as reported in the 2025 farewell coverage and Boon’s tribute. It is not the franchise’s age. The original Mortal Kombat arcade game was released on October 8, 1992, according to PlayStation Blog’s 2022 interview with Ed Boon.
Rank #2
- Arcade-Favorite Games: 3 Mortal Kombat arcade titles ship on this cabinet, Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat II among them, so the ladder, the hidden fighters and the finishing moves live on the countertop
- Real-Feel Joystick and Buttons: Full-size arcade controls sit under your hand the way the original cabinets did, which is the point of buying an arcade machine instead of playing arcade games on a phone
- 7" Full-Color LCD: A 7 inch full-colour screen keeps the sprites sharp and the frame rate smooth, and the viewing angle suits a table top or a bar top where you stand over it rather than sit
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That distinction matters: Forden’s reported 1989 start at Midway predates the first Mortal Kombat release, and his 37 years encompass a broader game-industry career, not simply the franchise’s lifespan.
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Rank #4
- 14 Classic Games Included: Play Mortal Kombat I–3, Ultimate MK3, and 10 more retro hits like Rampage, Paperboy, and Gauntlet for nonstop arcade action
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What is established about his departure?
- Forden announced that he had left NetherRealm; his reported final day was October 1, 2025.
- He said he wanted to reclaim time for his own interests.
- He was an original-team member whose sound work helped shape Mortal Kombat’s presentation, with “Toasty!” as his best-known fan-facing contribution.
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