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 inaugural video game based on 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 project 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 dynamic martial arts action. Force Multiplier Studios aims to deliver an intense, fast-paced brawler featuring beloved characters and locations from the franchise.

While the studio remained tight-lipped about Jean-Claude Van Damme's involvement, Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer at Force Multiplier Studios, confirmed they possess 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 experience on titles such as Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat), is also developing Karnivus, a combat shooter released within Fortnite. The Kickboxer game represents a significant step up for the studio.

Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, described the film as a cultural touchstone, expressing his excitement about collaborating with Force Multiplier Studios to create a gaming experience that honors the original while introducing innovative gameplay.

Jeremy Breslau, CEO of Force Multiplier Studios, highlighted the studio's commitment to innovation, promising a dynamic brawler that will allow players to become world-class kickboxers, exploring exotic locations and utilizing new environmental combat mechanics.

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