Monday, September 17, 2012

Microsoft has renewed Killer Instinct Trademark


Looks like there's hope after all.

Fans of the Killer Instinct series have been left in the dust for years. The last title fans saw of the franchise was Killer Instinct: Gold for the Nintendo 64 (N64). That game was released in 1996.

It's hard to believe the last Killer Instinct game was made almost 16 years ago. Despite the agonizingly long wait, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Here's why.

Microsoft has announced they have renewed the Killer Instinct trademark. As far as Microsoft's plans for the series goes, that has yet to be determined. Nonetheless this has to be exciting news for fans who have been waiting on the game that formerly belonged to Nintendo through Rare's partnership.

The first Killer Instinct game was released in the fall of 1994 in Arcades. The game made its way to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) the following year. 1996 saw the game's sequel take over Arcades and the N64.

The series was never heard from since.

Fernando's POV: One would think this announcement means Microsoft has to do something with the series. I think they'll re-release the first Killer Instinct game on the Xbox Live Marketplace and see how well it sells. If the numbers are good, they'll determine whether or not they want to greenlight the third game.