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Lionsgate Show Interest in Developing a John Wick Game

After Fortnite and John Wicks Hex, the Baba Yaga is seeking greener pastures
by Joe Wilcock on November 07, 2022   



The titular character of John Wick has been a prevalent figure in gaming despite being put on the back burner. The John Wick knockoff skin in Fortnite put him at the forefront of players' minds which was compounded by the officially licensed skin which followed shortly after. The IP lay dormant in the gaming world until recently, with the release of John Wick Hex, a clever strategy game that utilized the core tenants of the movies. However, it was a little rough around the edges leaving fans wanting for more and it looks like their wish could be granted.

During an earnings call last week, Lionsgate CEO disclosed that he is in the market for a studio to take on the responsibilities of developing a high-budget, "AAA game". This would mark John Wick's first proper foray into gaming after the smaller indie Hex attempt:
 

“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.” 

- Jon Feltheimer, Lionsgate CEO


Although no studios have been drafted as of yet, several developers could fit the bill. Presuming that a AAA John Wick game would be a straight-up assassin/hitman game featuring gunplay and close-quarter combat as opposed to an open-world game, the following studios can fulfill Wick's potential.


Remedy Entertainment 
 

Remedy Entertainment fits the bill more than most thanks to its history of producing games featuring solid, intricate and weighty gunplay. Known for developing Max Payne, Alan Wake and Control, it feels like a natural progression for them to take on the John Wick license. Additionally, they're no strangers to taking on macabre and dramatic subject matters, their games are usually bereft of comedic value which only adds to the seriousness of the tone and themes. Coincidentally, Alan Wake and Max Payne are quite reminiscent of John Wick too; sombre, moody, traumatized but a total badass. I wouldn't be expecting Wick bullet time, but Remedy Entertainment have a knack for constructing mechanics to best suit the story. 


 

 

Digital Extremes
 

Digital Extremes is an interesting choice to consider having developed The Darkness II and Warframe. Although these two titles are high concept and feature over-the-top powers and athleticism, they could do a stripped-back iteration of John Wick that would work. The Darkness II touches on a malevolent protagonist, a devious, antagonistic organization and themes of trauma, all of which would be right at home in a John Wick game.


 


Kojima Productions/Ubisoft 
 

Although both are extremely unlikely, they would be a match made in heaven for a John Wick game. Kojima is too much of an auteur to bother with a mainstream IP, but adapting a Metal Gear Solid type of game to fit the John Wick universe would be awesome. Similarly, Ubisoft has the developing chops to produce something along the same lines having released several Splinter-Cell titles. Espionage, Stealth and gunplay are at the forefront of their strengths, but Ubisoft have too much on its plate and Kojima is too high-brow. 


 


Bend Studios
 

Bend Studios is my personal pick, perhaps a wildcard. Days Gone was a solid game that didn't receive the reception it deserved, if not for a scathing review it would have been a much bigger hit than it was. As it is, Days Gone is a hidden gem that showcases a fledgling studio that can produce a AAA game on a smaller budget. Smart writing, quality world-building and impressive gunplay coupled with innovative AI indicate that they could produce an awesome John Wick game if asked. Full of potential but no commercial clout, whatever the case I'm excited for what Bend Studio will do next.


 


IO Interactive 
 

The biggest no-brainer which almost doesn't need explanation, IO Interactive could develop a John Wick game in their sleep. IO Interactive are responsible for developing the Hitman series over the years and its application is abundantly apparent if they were to do a John Wick game. Although unfortunately, reports suggest that they are working on a James Bond game instead.
 


 


There are several other studios that have the talent to develop a John Wick game and everyone will have their own pick of the bunch. For now, though we'll have to sit and wait to see who they scout out.

Check back with DailyGamer for more John Wick and Lionsgate news.


 

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