Ex-Call of Duty developers are now channeling their expertise into an exciting new project: the first-ever video game inspired by the iconic Kickboxer martial arts film franchise. Los Angeles-based Force Multiplier Studios is teaming up with filmmakers Dimitri Logothetis and Rob Hickman, the masterminds behind the recent Kickboxer trilogy reboot, to bring this vision to life.
The original Kickboxer film, released in 1989, starred martial arts legend Jean-Claude Van Damme and was a massive hit, spawning several sequels. Although Van Damme did not return for Kickboxer 2, opting instead for 1991's Double Impact, he reprised his role in the 2016 reboot, Kickboxer: Vengeance, alongside Dave Bautista, and its 2018 sequel, Kickboxer: Retaliation. The third installment, Kickboxer: Armageddon, is slated to begin filming this spring.
The Kickboxer video game is still in its early stages of development, but Force Multiplier Studios promises a thrilling experience. "The game will blend the rich narrative of Kickboxer with dynamic martial arts action to create an intense, high-octane brawler, featuring iconic characters and settings from the franchise originally led by martial arts icon Jean-Claude Van Damme," the studio announced.
When asked about Van Damme's involvement, Force Multiplier Studios remained coy. "We're huge fans of the Kickboxer films, and we have secured licenses for many characters and likenesses from the Kickboxer universe that we're thrilled about," said Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer at Force Multiplier Studios. "We'll have more to share later this year."
Force Multiplier Studios, a new venture co-founded by Jeremy Breslau, Brent Friedman, and Charnjit Bansi, boasts a team with experience on major titles like Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat. Their first game, Karnivus, was released within Fortnite, but the Kickboxer game represents a significant leap forward for the studio.
"Kickboxer is more than just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon that has inspired generations of fans and martial artists alike," said Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon. "I'm excited to work with the talented team at Force Multiplier Studios to create a gaming experience that honors the original film while introducing fresh gameplay elements."
Jeremy Breslau, CEO of Force Multiplier Studios, added, "Our passion is innovation. Just as we're pushing boundaries with our environmental combat shooter Karnivus in Fortnite Creative, we're eager to revolutionize the fighting genre with a dynamic brawler. Players will have the chance to become the world's best kickboxers, exploring exotic locations and engaging with new environmental combat mechanics to deliver an unparalleled martial arts experience."
While we don't have screenshots or a trailer yet, stay tuned for more details later this year.
