Midway keen to hang on to Boon

The Mortal Kombat creator's continued services are of 'critical' importance.

Variety's The Cut Scene reports that Midway is seeking permission from the bankruptcy court to continue paying bonuses to Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon.

Given the publisher's current financial problems, paying bonuses doesn't sound like it should be high up on the Midway agenda, but it has a good reason.

According to the Midway filing, Boon's continued service is viewed as vital if the company is to maximise the value of the Mortal Kombat franchise. Mortal Kombat without Boon, the man who's not only in charge of making the games, but also handles much of the publicity, would be a much less attractive asset.

For the performance of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, in the period including Q4 2008 and Q1 2009, Boon is set to receive a bonus of $900,000. An additional $105,000 is due to him because of revenue from the Mortal Kombat franchise on the whole. Boon is also said to be working on a new MK title, tentatively scheduled for release in Q4 2009.