Dan Forden, a key member of the original Mortal Kombat team who worked on the sound design and music for Midway’s legendary fighting game franchise, has retired after 37 years.
Forden, who is probably best remembered by long-time fans as the chap who shouts ‘toasty!’ and appears briefly from the side of the screen after the player lands an uppercut occasionally, has worked on every major instalment in the franchise up to Mortal Kombat 1, where he served as audio director.
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Speaking in a statement, Forden commented:
We made a lot of fun stuff over the years. I’m really proud of what we accomplished as well as how much fun we had making that stuff. There are so many smart, talented people [at NetherRealm] – look for more great things to emerge over the next several years. I wouldn’t have lasted 37 years in the industry if fans weren’t out there playing the games we made. Thanks to all of you for supporting what we’ve done. Live long and… Toasty!
Ed Boon, co-creator of the Mortal Kombat franchise, added:
After an incredible 37 year career, on October 1st, Dan Forden (1/4 of the original Mortal Kombat team) began his well earned retirement. I cannot overstate the impact Dan has made on pinball, videogames, NetherRealm & especially Mortal Kombat.
A significant part of the first Mortal Kombat’s identity was in its tone, mystique and outrageous presentation. Remember the first time you saw & heard an uppercut? The explosive impact. The announcer’s wicked laugh. The ‘DUN DUN DUN’ before a fatality? Remember the amazing music that defined the atmosphere of the fighting arenas? That was all Dan.
Looking ahead for the franchise, the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is coming to PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One on October 30, 2025. The game compiles many of the classic entries in the series into one packaged, including alternate versions of the game game (for example, the original Mortal Kombat is represented here with the arcade, Mega Drive, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Gear editions).
[Source – Ed Boon on X, VGC]