Mortal Kombat’s Dan Forden Retires After 37 Years of Work

Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon shared his thoughts on Dan Forden’s retirement, marking the end of his 37-year career. Forden, known as the “Toasty Guy”, is also recognized for shaping Mortal Kombat's soundscape by creating its tone, sound effects, and music, including iconic sounds like the uppercut thud, announcer's laugh, and fatality sequence.

Boon credited Forden with shaping the initial Mortal Kombat’s unique tone, mystique, and bold presentation, highlighting the critical role of his sound design in creating the game's atmosphere. His influence continued at NetherRealm Studios, where he shaped the soundscape for subsequent Mortal Kombat releases and other games over the years. Fans on social media have expressed their gratitude, sharing how his work made every punch, scream, and musical sting memorable.