'Mortal Kombat X' features first gay character

The Wrap
April 19, 2015 at 1:54PM

Outworld just took on a whole new meaning.

For the first time in series history, a "Mortal Kombat" game features a playable gay character.

Fans of the recently-released "Mortal Kombat X" puzzled over an exchange between Raiden and new character Kung Jin, the cousin of series mainstay Kung Lao.

Raiden encourages Jin to join the Shaolin Monks like his cousin, but Jin is apprehensive. Raiden then places his hand on Jin's shoulder and says, ""They care about only what is in your heart; not whom your heart desires."

Dominic Cianciolo, cinematic director of NetherRealm Studios, the production team behind the "Mortal Kombat," confirmed the speculation in a tweet.

@bcharred I see people are picking up on the subtle exposition contained in Kung Jin's flashback. Glad we have observant fans!

— Dominic Cianciolo (@domcianciolo) April 14, 2015

The "Mortal Kombat" series is no stranger to controversy. Since the first game was released in 1992, parent groups have called for the series to be banned for its violent content.

That controversy has not stopped the series' success, however. The 2011 "Mortal Kombat" reboot sold over two million copies in its first month alone. The series as a whole has sold over 30 million copies.

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