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 adaptation of the iconic Kickboxer martial arts film franchise.

Force Multiplier Studios, a Los Angeles-based developer, is collaborating with Dimitri Logothetis and Rob Hickman, the creative minds behind the recent Kickboxer trilogy reboot, to bring this fighting game to life.

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 action. According to Force Multiplier Studios, the game will feature iconic characters and locations from the franchise, delivering a high-octane brawler experience.

While IGN inquired about Jean-Claude Van Damme's involvement, Force Multiplier Studios remained tight-lipped. Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer, stated, "We're all massive fans of the Kickboxer movies, and we have the licenses to many characters and likenesses from the Kickboxer universe that we're very excited about. We'll have much more to share later in the year."

Force Multiplier Studios, co-founded by industry veterans Jeremy Breslau, Brent Friedman, and Charnjit Bansi (with credits on Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat), aims to deliver an innovative fighting experience.

Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Kickboxer is more than just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon... We're going to create a gaming experience that pays tribute to the original film while introducing exciting new gameplay elements."

Force Multiplier Studios previously released Karnivus, a combat shooter within Fortnite. The Kickboxer game represents a significant step up for the team. Jeremy Breslau, CEO, added, "Our passion is innovation... we can’t wait to innovate the fighting genre with a dynamic brawler that will empower players to be the best kickboxers in the world."

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