Culver City Playtests Point to Injustice 3
NDA-protected tests and NetherRealm hiring patterns suggest a new DC fighter is in development.
Evidence is mounting that NetherRealm Studios is preparing a new entry in the Injustice series. A series of NDA-protected playtests for an unannounced "AAA 2D fighting game" are currently taking place in Culver City, California, a location that aligns with the headquarters of Warner Bros. Games.
The playtests, organized through the Good Gamer Group, specifically target experienced competitive players. Recruitment listings for the sessions describe the project as both a "triple-A fighting game" and a "major 2D fighting game." This activity coincides with recent hiring patterns at NetherRealm Studios, which has posted job listings for designers tasked specifically with analyzing and incorporating user feedback from usability tests.
Development Patterns
The timing of these tests fits the established development cadence of NetherRealm Studios. Following the 2023 release of Mortal Kombat 1—which arrived four years after Mortal Kombat 11—the studio appears to be operating on a four-year cycle for its primary franchises. Given the significant gap since the release of Injustice 2, a potential 2027 launch would align with this internal rhythm.
Further corroboration comes from a Warner Bros. Games artist who reportedly listed "Injustice 3" on their online resume this past April. While the studio has not officially confirmed the title, the combination of specific recruitment language and internal resume leaks suggests a robust pipeline for the DC license.
Industry Implications
The arrival of a new Injustice title would be a significant event for the fighting game community, as the market currently has very few AAA 2D entries. Beyond the genre's technical evolution, the game represents a major asset for the DC Comics license, providing a high-profile interactive platform for its characters. The shift toward intensive usability testing suggests NetherRealm is prioritizing competitive balance and accessibility for its next major release.
What to Watch
While the studio remains silent, the current stage of playtesting suggests the game is moving toward a reveal phase. Industry analysts suggest a formal announcement could occur as early as October at New York Comic-Con or in December during The Game Awards. Until an official trailer drops, the community is monitoring job boards and recruitment sites for further confirmation of the game's scope and release window.