Kickboxer Game in Development: Van Damme's Involvement Unknown

Former Call of Duty developers are crafting the first-ever 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 the sequel, he returned for the 2016 reboot, Kickboxer: Vengeance, and its 2018 follow-up, Kickboxer: Retaliation. A third reboot installment, Kickboxer: Armageddon, is slated for production this spring.

The Kickboxer video game, currently in early development, promises a thrilling blend of narrative and action. Force Multiplier Studios describes it as "an intense, high-octane brawler" featuring iconic characters and locations from the franchise, drawing heavily on the legacy of Jean-Claude Van Damme.

While the studio remained tight-lipped about Van Damme's involvement, Chief Creative Officer Brent Friedman confirmed they possess licenses for numerous characters and likenesses from the Kickboxer universe. Further details are promised 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 enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that the game will honor the original film while incorporating innovative gameplay.

The studio's previous work includes Karnivus, a combat shooter released within Fortnite. However, the Kickboxer game represents a significant step up in scale and ambition for the team. CEO Jeremy Breslau highlighted their commitment to innovation, aiming to create a dynamic fighting experience with unique environmental combat mechanics.

Currently, no screenshots or trailers are available. More information is expected later in the year.