The latest installment in the Mortal Kombat video game franchise will not be released in Indonesia, according to its publisher Warner Bros Games Studios.

"Mortal Kombat 11 will not be released in the Indonesian market to ensure that we are compliant with local laws within that country. Our decision may be further reviewed at a later date. We appreciate your understanding," stated the company on Wednesday, responding to a tweet posted by a netizen who had noticed that Mortal Kombat 11was no longer available at the Indonesian PlayStation store.

Mortal Kombat 11 will not be released in the Indonesian market to ensure that we are compliant with local laws within that country. Our decision may be further reviewed at a later date. We appreciate your understanding. — WBGames Support (@WBGamesSupport) April 17, 2019

The video game is slated for launch on April 23 globally.

Warner Bros Games did not elaborate further as to why it had decided to pull Mortal Kombat 11 from the Indonesian market.

Those who have pre-ordered the game through the PlayStation Store will receive an “automatic” refund, according to the publisher.

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However, PC gamers are reportedly still able to purchase Mortal Kombat 11 through Steam as the game is still listed on the digital retailer’s catalogue.

The Steam store page for Mortal Kombat 11 says the game will be available for purchase on April 24.

Mortal Kombat 11 is the latest installment in the long-running fighting game franchise originally developed by now-defunct United States-based Midway Games in the 1990s and later by NetherRealm Studios.

The franchise, which is known for its uncensored depiction of extreme violence, has been controversial since its early days and was particularly influential in the establishment of the US Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

The 11th installment in the series boasts a nostalgic return of the 1990s versions of iconic characters, such as Johnny Cage, Liu Kang, and Scorpion. (kes)