When you think of video game adaptations, martial arts franchises like Kickboxer don’t immediately spring to mind. Sure, we’ve had plenty of games based on action movies—Die Hard, Terminator, even The Matrix. But Kickboxer? That’s new territory. And it’s being tackled by some of the most seasoned developers in the industry.
Force Multiplier Studios, a Los Angeles-based team co-founded by veterans from Call of Duty, Halo, and Mortal Kombat, is diving headfirst into the world of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s iconic franchise. They’re working with Dimitri Logothetis and Rob Hickman, the filmmakers behind the recent rebooted Kickboxer trilogy, to bring this martial arts saga to life as a video game. The goal? To create a high-octane brawler that captures the kinetic energy of the films while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics.
For those unfamiliar, Kickboxer began in 1989 with Van Damme playing Kurt Sloane, a martial artist seeking vengeance after his brother is brutally defeated by Tong Po, the film’s villain. It was a hit, spawning sequels and cementing Van Damme’s status as an action star. While he skipped Kickboxer 2 to make Double Impact (a movie that deserves its own cult following), he returned for the 2016 reboot, Kickboxer: Vengeance, alongside Dave Bautista, and its 2018 sequel, Kickboxer: Retaliation. Now, with Kickboxer: Armageddon set to shoot this spring, the franchise is primed for a resurgence—and apparently, a video game tie-in.
Details are still sparse, but what we know so far is tantalizing. According to Force Multiplier Studios, the game will combine “the rich narrative of Kickboxer” with “kinetic martial arts action,” promising an intense brawler experience. Players can expect to encounter iconic characters and locations from the franchise, though whether Jean-Claude Van Damme himself will appear remains unclear. When IGN asked about Van Damme’s involvement, Brent Friedman, Chief Creative Officer at Force Multiplier Studios, played coy: “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.”
It’s worth noting that Force Multiplier Studios isn’t just any indie outfit. This is a team with serious pedigree. Jeremy Breslau, Brent Friedman, and Charnjit Bansi have collectively worked on some of the biggest names in gaming: Call of Duty, Borderlands, Halo, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat. Their first project, Karnivus, was released within Fortnite as an environmental combat shooter—a clever use of Epic Games’ creative tools—but Kickboxer represents a significant step up in ambition.
“Our passion is innovation,” said Breslau, CEO of Force Multiplier Studios. “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.”
This emphasis on environmental combat could set Kickboxer apart from other fighters. Imagine using your surroundings—not just as background scenery, but as part of your strategy. Picture leaping off a rickety balcony to land a devastating kick or smashing through a wooden crate to grab a weapon. If executed well, these mechanics could elevate the game beyond a simple nostalgia trip and into something genuinely fresh.
Dimitri Logothetis, writer and director of Kickboxer: Armageddon, seems equally enthusiastic. “Kickboxer is more than just a film; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has inspired generations of fans and martial artists alike,” he said. “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.”
Of course, there’s still a lot we don’t know. No screenshots, no trailers, no release date. But given the talent involved and the potential for blending classic Kickboxer lore with modern gaming mechanics, this project feels like one to watch. Will Jean-Claude Van Damme lend his likeness—or even his voice—to the game? Will the story mode dive deep into the franchise’s mythology, or will it focus solely on the rebooted timeline? These questions remain unanswered, but they’re enough to keep fans buzzing.
For now, all we can do is wait. Expect more details later this year, but if Force Multiplier Studios delivers on its promises, the Kickboxer game could become a standout title in the fighting genre—a love letter to martial arts fans and a bold step forward for licensed games.
FAQs:
Q1: What is the Kickboxer video game about?
A1: The game is a martial arts brawler inspired by the Kickboxer film franchise, featuring iconic characters, locations, and environmental combat mechanics.
Q2: Is Jean-Claude Van Damme involved in the Kickboxer game?
A2: His involvement hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the developers have licensed many characters and likenesses from the franchise.
Q3: Who is developing the Kickboxer video game?
A3: The game is being developed by Force Multiplier Studios, a team of industry veterans who have worked on titles like Call of Duty and Mortal Kombat.
Q4: What makes the Kickboxer game unique?
A4: The game aims to introduce environmental combat mechanics, allowing players to interact with their surroundings during fights for strategic advantages.
Q5: When will the Kickboxer game be released?
A5: No official release date has been announced yet, but more information is expected later this year.
