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 reboot 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 describes it as a "high-octane brawler" featuring beloved characters and locations from the franchise. While the studio remains tight-lipped about Van Damme's involvement, Chief Creative Officer Brent Friedman assures fans they possess the licenses for numerous characters and likenesses 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 credits including Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat), brings significant experience to the project.

Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, highlights the franchise's cultural impact, expressing excitement about the collaboration and the promise of a gaming experience that honors the original while introducing innovative gameplay.

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 the team, aiming to revolutionize the fighting genre with dynamic brawling mechanics and immersive environments. CEO Jeremy Breslau emphasizes their commitment to innovation, promising a truly unique martial arts gaming experience.

Currently, no screenshots or trailers are available. More information is anticipated later in the year.