Kickboxer Video Game Announced!

Former Call of Duty developers are crafting the first-ever video game adaptation of the iconic Kickboxer martial arts film franchise. Force Multiplier Studios, a Los Angeles-based development house, 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 thrilling blend of narrative and action. According to Force Multiplier Studios, the game will "seamlessly integrate the rich storytelling of Kickboxer with dynamic martial arts combat, delivering an intense, high-octane brawler experience featuring iconic characters and locations from the franchise originally starring martial arts legend Jean-Claude Van Damme."

While IGN inquired about Van Damme's involvement, Force Multiplier Studios remained tight-lipped. Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer, stated, "We're huge fans of the Kickboxer films and possess the licenses to numerous characters and likenesses from the Kickboxer universe, which we're incredibly excited about. We'll unveil more details later this year."

Force Multiplier Studios, co-founded by Jeremy Breslau, Brent Friedman, and Charnjit Bansi – veterans of prominent titles like Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat – is poised to deliver a high-quality experience.

"Kickboxer transcends a simple film; it's a cultural icon that has inspired generations of fans and martial artists," commented Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon. "I'm delighted to partner with the exceptional team at Force Multiplier Studios. We're committed to crafting a gaming experience that honors the original film while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics."

Force Multiplier Studios' previous work includes Karnivus, an environmental combat shooter released within Fortnite. The Kickboxer game, however, represents a significant step up for the studio.

"Our passion is pushing boundaries," added Jeremy Breslau, CEO of Force Multiplier Studios. "Just as we're innovating within Fortnite Creative with Karnivus, we're eager to revolutionize the fighting genre with a dynamic brawler that empowers players to become the ultimate kickboxers, exploring exotic locations and utilizing novel environmental combat mechanics to deliver an unprecedented martial arts gaming experience."

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