Legendary Mortal Kombat sound designer Dan Fordin has retired after 37 years in the industry
By ForGeeks
Dan Fordin, one of the key members of the original Mortal Kombat team and creator of the famous «Toasty!» scream, has officially retired after 37 years in the game industry.
Fordin began his career in 1988 doing sound for Williams and Midway pinball machines, and later worked on Midway Studios games. But he is best known for his work on the Mortal Kombat series, where he created the music and sound effects for all the major installments of the franchise.
In recent years, Fordin has served as audio director at NetherRealm Studios, overseeing the sound design for Mortal Kombat X, Mortal Kombat 11 and the reboot of Mortal Kombat 1.
Fordin has also worked on the sound design of Mortal Kombat X, Mortal Kombat 11 and the reboot of Mortal Kombat 1.
Despite his enormous contributions to video game sound design, Fordin will remain for many fans the «Toasty Guy» — face and voice of the passphrase that appeared during the apercote kick in the classic Mortal Kombat installments.
For many fans, Fordin is still the «Toasty Guy» — face and voice of the passphrase that appeared during the apercote kick in the classic Mortal Kombat installments.
In his address to fans, Fordin noted:«We’ve done a ton of fun stuff over the years. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and how much fun we’ve had in the process. I wouldn’t have made it 37 years in the industry if it wasn’t for the players who continue to play our games. Thank you all for your support. Live long…Toasty!
Mortal Kombat co-founder Ed Boon paid tribute to Fordin in a post on X (Twitter), noting his tremendous contributions:«I can’t overstate Dan’s influence on pinball, video games, NetherRealm and, of course, Mortal Kombat. Remember the first time you heard the sound of an uppercut, the announcer’s laugh, or the famous «DUN DUN DUN DUN» before the fatalities? It’s all —a credit to Dan».
Boon also recalled that it was Fordin who created Mortal Kombat’s unique atmosphere, setting its unique tone and energy.«I hope you’ll join me in thanking Dan for his incredible contributions to Mortal Kombat and the gaming industry as a whole», — he added.
