Excitement is brewing in the gaming world as former Call of Duty developers from Los Angeles-based Force Multiplier Studios embark on their latest project: the first ever video game based on the iconic Kickboxer martial arts film franchise. Collaborating with filmmakers Dimitri Logothetis and Rob Hickman, who are behind the recent Kickboxer trilogy reboot, the studio is set to deliver an action-packed gaming experience.
The Kickboxer franchise, which kicked off with Jean-Claude Van Damme starring in the 1989 original, has since expanded with numerous sequels. Van Damme, who didn't return for the second installment but reprised his role in the 2016 reboot Kickboxer: Vengeance alongside Dave Bautista, and its sequel Kickboxer: Retaliation in 2018, will see his legacy continue with the upcoming third reboot, Kickboxer: Armageddon, slated to begin filming this spring.
While the Kickboxer video game is still in its early development phase, Force Multiplier Studios promises an intense, high-octane brawler that will incorporate the franchise's rich narrative and kinetic martial arts action. The game will feature iconic characters and locations from the series, originally led by martial arts legend Jean-Claude Van Damme.
When asked about Van Damme's involvement, Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer at Force Multiplier Studios, remained coy, stating, "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 Jeremy Breslau, Brent Friedman, and Charnjit Bansi, brings a wealth of experience from their work on acclaimed titles like Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat. Their first game, Karnivus, was released within Fortnite as a combat shooter, and the Kickboxer game represents a significant leap forward for the studio.
Dimitri Logothetis, the writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Kickboxer is more than just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon that has inspired generations of fans and martial artists alike. I'm thrilled to collaborate with the incredible team at Force Multiplier Studios. We're going to create a gaming experience that pays tribute to the original film while introducing exciting new gameplay elements."
Jeremy Breslau, CEO of Force Multiplier Studios, shared his vision for the game, stating, "Our passion is innovation, and just as we're innovating on Fortnite Creative with our own environmental combat shooter experience Karnivus, 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, traveling to exotic locales and introducing new environmental combat mechanics to deliver a martial arts experience like never before."
While we eagerly await more details, including screenshots and a trailer, fans can expect further updates later this year. The Kickboxer video game promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise, blending nostalgia with fresh, innovative gameplay.
