Lionsgate is expanding the John Wick universe beyond the silver screen with a new AAA video game, developed by Saber Interactive. The announcement, made during Sony’s State of Play Showcase on , signals a significant push by the studio into the gaming market, leveraging the popularity of its action franchise.
The game, a third-person action title, is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Lionsgate is positioning this as a mature-audience experience, aiming to replicate the visceral action and intricate world-building that have become hallmarks of the John Wick films. Saber Interactive, known for its work on titles like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, is tasked with bringing that vision to life.
The project isn’t simply a licensed adaptation. it’s described as a collaborative effort involving key creative figures from the film franchise. Chad Stahelski, director of all four John Wick movies, and Keanu Reeves, the star himself, are both actively involved in the game’s production. Reeves is confirmed to reprise his role, contributing his likeness and voice to the game. This level of involvement suggests a commitment to maintaining the authenticity of the John Wick experience.
Jenefer Brown, President of Global Products & Experiences at Lionsgate, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. “We are collaborating closely with Saber’s dedicated team to develop a game that captures the unparalleled action, brand-defining fight choreography, immersive world-building, and authenticity of the films,” she stated. Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, echoed this sentiment, calling John Wick “one of the most iconic characters in action film history” and expressing his team’s honor in working alongside Stahelski, Reeves, and Lionsgate.
The game’s narrative will be set within the established John Wick timeline, but will unfold “years before the Impossible Task,” according to Saber Interactive. This positioning allows the game to expand upon the existing lore of the franchise, introducing both familiar faces and new characters. The developers are aiming to contribute to the broader understanding of the High Table and the complex rules governing the assassin underworld.
A key focus for Saber Interactive is faithfully recreating the signature “gun-fu” combat style that defines the John Wick films. Jesus Iglesias, the game’s director, explained that the team is developing a “distinct combat system from the ground up” to ensure the gameplay feels like an authentic extension of the movie experience. This suggests a departure from simply adapting existing game mechanics and a commitment to building a system specifically tailored to the demands of John Wick’s action choreography.
Lionsgate’s interest in gaming extends beyond John Wick. During a recent earnings call, Adam Fogelson, Chairman of Lionsgate, revealed plans to explore gaming opportunities around other franchises, including Saw. This indicates a broader strategic shift towards interactive entertainment as a means of expanding the reach and revenue potential of its intellectual property. The studio sees significant potential in the premium gaming market and is actively seeking to establish a stronger presence within it.
The success of the John Wick franchise – with four films grossing over $1 billion collectively – has fueled this expansion. The films revitalized Keanu Reeves’ career and established Stahelski and David Leitch as prominent action directors. Despite the apparent death of John Wick in Chapter 4, a fifth film is already in development, alongside a spinoff centered on Caine, played by Donnie Yen, demonstrating the continued momentum of the franchise.
The announcement of the John Wick game comes as Lionsgate continues to build out its television offerings, including a spinoff series, The Continental, and a forthcoming film, Ballerina. This multi-platform approach underscores the studio’s commitment to maximizing the value of the John Wick universe and catering to a diverse range of fan preferences. The game represents a new avenue for fans to engage with the world of John Wick, offering a more immersive and interactive experience than traditional film or television.
While details remain limited, the involvement of key creative personnel and Saber Interactive’s dedication to replicating the franchise’s signature action suggest a promising future for the John Wick video game. The game’s success will likely hinge on its ability to capture the unique blend of stylish violence, intricate world-building, and compelling characters that have made the John Wick films such a cultural phenomenon.
