Kickboxer Game Unveiled: Ex-Call of Duty Devs Team Up for Cinematic Bout

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 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, 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 beloved characters and locations from the original franchise.

While the studio remains tight-lipped about Jean-Claude Van Damme's involvement, Chief Creative Officer Brent Friedman 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 credits on Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat), aims to deliver an innovative fighting experience.

Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, emphasizes 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."

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, with CEO Jeremy Breslau promising, "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, traveling to exotic locales and introducing new environmental combat mechanics to deliver a martial arts experience like never before."

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