Licensed video games are a risky business. More often than not, the interactive experience is a pale imitation of the source material, but there are exceptions. I’m looking at you, Marvel’s Spider-Man. Still, many film characters and franchises could translate well to the video game space, and Lionsgate is thinking about giving John Wick a chance at the big time. According to a report from IndieWire, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer says the studio is “fielding proposals” for a John Wick video game.
While Feltheimer is a big fan of the idea, he’s reluctant to say too much at the risk of getting fans overly excited about something that may not happen. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself here, but we believe there is a big AAA game to be made out of ‘John Wick.’ We have been fielding proposals. We certainly are interested in moving that forward, but I don’t want to say anything more about that at this time,” Feltheimer commented.
John Wick is no stranger to the video game arena. Have you ever heard of John Wick Hex? It’s a strategy game by designer Mike Bithell. The game is like “fight-choreographed chess,” meaning that characters must think two or three steps ahead as they make their way through a group of trained assassins waiting to lay the boogeyman to rest.
Here’s a more in-depth description of John Wick Hex, courtesy of the publisher:
“Created in close cooperation with the creative and stunt teams behind the films, John Wick Hex is fight-choreographed chess brought to life as a video game, capturing the series’ signature gun fu style while expanding its story universe. Players must choose every action and attack they make, while considering their immediate cost and consequences. Every move in John Wick Hex feels like a scene from the movies, and every fight contributes to your progress on the job and requires precise strategic thinking.”
Lionsgate’s John Wick franchise shows no signs of slowing down. John Wick 4, starring Keanu Reeves, is on track for release in 2023. Meanwhile, the John Wick spinoff movie, Ballerina, starring Ana De Armas, dances into production next week. Finally, the John Wick spinoff series, The Continental, is coming to Peacock and Amazon Prime (internationally). Do you see why a John Wick video game isn’t a stretch? Everyone loves the boogeyman. Like Jacobim Mugatu says, John Wick is so hot right now.
Would you play a AAA John Wick video game? Who would be the best studio to develop the interactive experience? Let us know in the comments.
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