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 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, and its sequel. 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. Force Multiplier Studios aims to deliver a high-octane brawler featuring beloved characters and locations from the franchise, paying homage to Jean-Claude Van Damme's legacy.

While the studio remains tight-lipped about Van Damme's involvement, Chief Creative Officer Brent Friedman confirmed they possess the rights to numerous characters and likenesses from the Kickboxer universe. Further details are expected later this year.

Force Multiplier Studios, co-founded by industry veterans with experience on titles like Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat, brings a wealth of expertise to the project.

Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the franchise's cultural impact and the game's potential to honor the original while introducing 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, promising a dynamic brawler with innovative environmental combat mechanics. CEO Jeremy Breslau emphasized their commitment to pushing boundaries within the fighting genre.

Currently, no screenshots or trailers are available, but more information is anticipated later in the year.