Former Call of Duty developers are crafting the first-ever video game adaptation of 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 martial arts action to life in video game form.
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, 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 thrilling blend of narrative and intense martial arts action. Force Multiplier Studios aims to deliver a high-octane brawler featuring iconic characters and locations from the franchise, paying homage to Jean-Claude Van Damme's legacy.
While the studio remains tight-lipped about Van Damme's involvement, Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer at Force Multiplier Studios, assures fans, "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), is poised to deliver a unique gaming experience.
Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, emphasizes the cultural significance of the franchise: " 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."
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, promising innovative fighting mechanics and immersive environments. Jeremy Breslau, CEO of Force Multiplier Studios, adds, “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 in the year.
