Former Call of Duty Devs Are Making the First Ever Official Kickboxer Video Game — but Is Jean-Claude Van Damme in It?

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, 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 combat. Force Multiplier Studios describes it as a "high-octane brawler" featuring recognizable characters and locations from the franchise.

While the involvement of Jean-Claude Van Damme remains unconfirmed, Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer at Force Multiplier Studios, assures fans that the game will leverage numerous character licenses from the Kickboxer universe. Further details are expected later this 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 bringing its expertise to the project.

Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the franchise's cultural impact and the team's commitment to creating a unique gaming experience.

The studio's previous work includes Karnivus, a combat shooter released within Fortnite. However, the Kickboxer game represents a significant step up in scale and ambition for Force Multiplier Studios, aiming to redefine the fighting genre with innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive environments. Jeremy Breslau, CEO, emphasized their dedication to innovation within the fighting game genre.

Currently, no screenshots or trailers are available. More information will be revealed later in the year.