Former Call of Duty developers are crafting the first-ever video game based on the iconic Kickboxer film franchise. Force Multiplier Studios, a Los Angeles-based company, is collaborating with Dimitri Logothetis and Rob Hickman, the creative minds behind the recent Kickboxer trilogy reboot, to bring this project to life.
The original 1989 Kickboxer film, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, launched a successful franchise. While Van Damme didn't reprise his role in Kickboxer 2, he returned for the 2016 reboot, Kickboxer: Vengeance, and its 2018 sequel, Kickboxer: Retaliation, alongside Dave Bautista. A third installment, Kickboxer: Armageddon, is slated for production this spring.
The Kickboxer video game, currently in early development, promises a blend of compelling storytelling and intense martial arts action. Force Multiplier Studios describes it as a "high-octane brawler" featuring familiar characters and locations from the franchise.
While the involvement of Jean-Claude Van Damme remains unconfirmed, Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer at Force Multiplier Studios, assures fans that the studio possesses the licenses for numerous characters and likenesses from the Kickboxer universe. Further details are expected later this year.
Force Multiplier Studios, co-founded by industry veterans Jeremy Breslau, Brent Friedman, and Charnjit Bansi (with experience on titles like Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat), is poised to deliver a unique gaming experience.
Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, highlights the franchise's cultural impact and expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration.
The studio's previous work includes Karnivus, a combat shooter released within Fortnite. However, the Kickboxer game represents a significant advancement for the team, promising innovative fighting mechanics and immersive environments. Jeremy Breslau, CEO of Force Multiplier Studios, emphasizes their commitment to pushing boundaries within the fighting game genre.
No gameplay footage or screenshots are available yet, but more information is anticipated later in the year.
