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 developer, 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, spawned 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 intense martial arts action. According to Force Multiplier Studios, the game will feature iconic characters and locations from the franchise, delivering a high-octane brawler 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 experience on titles like Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat), aims to deliver an innovative gaming experience.
Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Kickboxer is more than just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon...We're going to create a gaming experience that pays tribute to the original film while introducing exciting new gameplay elements."
The studio's previous work includes Karnivus, a combat shooter released within Fortnite. However, the Kickboxer game represents a significant step up for the team. Jeremy Breslau, CEO of Force Multiplier Studios, added, "Our passion is innovation...we can’t wait to innovate the fighting genre with a dynamic brawler that will empower players to be the best kickboxers in the world..."
Further details, including screenshots and a trailer, are expected later this year.
