Kickboxer Video Game Debut: Will Van Damme Join?

Former Call of Duty developers are crafting the inaugural video game based on the iconic Kickboxer martial arts 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, was a box office success, spawning numerous sequels. While Van Damme didn't reprise his role in Kickboxer 2, he returned for the 2016 reboot, Kickboxer: Vengeance, alongside Dave Bautista, and its 2018 sequel, Kickboxer: Retaliation. 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 dynamic martial arts action. According to Force Multiplier Studios, the game will feature iconic characters and locations from the franchise, delivering an intense, high-octane brawling experience.

While IGN inquired about Jean-Claude Van Damme's involvement, Force Multiplier Studios remained tight-lipped. Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer, stated, "We're all massive fans of the Kickboxer movies, and we have the licenses to many characters and likenesses from the Kickboxer universe that we're very excited about. We'll have much more to share later in the year."

Force Multiplier Studios, co-founded by industry veterans Jeremy Breslau, Brent Friedman, and Charnjit Bansi (with credits on Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat), aims to deliver a groundbreaking fighting game.

Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, emphasized the franchise's cultural impact: "Kickboxer is more than just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon that has inspired generations of fans and martial artists alike. I'm thrilled to collaborate with the incredible team at Force Multiplier Studios. We're going to create a gaming experience that pays tribute to the original film while introducing exciting new gameplay elements."

Force Multiplier Studios previously released Karnivus, an environmental combat shooter within Fortnite. The Kickboxer game represents a significant step up for the team, aiming to innovate the fighting genre with dynamic brawling mechanics, exotic locations, and novel environmental combat features.

Further details, including screenshots and a trailer, are expected later this year.