Exclusive: Ex-Call of Duty Devs to Debut Official Kickboxer Game

Former Call of Duty developers are creating 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 combat. 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 Jean-Claude Van Damme's involvement, they confirmed securing licenses for numerous characters and likenesses from the Kickboxer universe. More 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 such as Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat), brings a wealth of experience to the project.

Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the franchise's cultural impact and the team's commitment to creating a unique gaming experience that honors the original while introducing innovative gameplay.

Force Multiplier Studios previously released Karnivus, an environmental combat shooter within Fortnite. The Kickboxer game represents a significant step up for the studio, promising to revolutionize the fighting genre with dynamic brawling mechanics, exotic locations, and innovative environmental combat features.

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