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John Wick video game announced with Keanu Reeves' involvement
The billion-dollar John Wick action film series is set to expand into gaming, with a new title featuring the likeness and voice of star Keanu Reeves. The project, currently named Untitled John Wick Game, was revealed during PlayStation's State of Play showcase on Thursday.
Development and creative collaboration
The game is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and will include input from Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick films. According to Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch, the team is "honored" to work alongside Stahelski and Reeves to "bring the world of Wick to life" in a blockbuster game.
The storyline will serve as a prequel to the film series, featuring an original narrative "tailored for mature audiences." The game will introduce both familiar characters from the films and new faces, aiming to capture the "unparalleled action" and "brand-defining fight choreography" of the franchise, as stated by Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate.
Keanu Reeves' gaming history and fan reactions
While John Wick has appeared in games before, this will mark the first time the character is voiced by Reeves. The actor is no stranger to gaming, having previously starred as Johnny Silverhand in the hit title Cyberpunk 2077.
Fan reactions on social media have been largely positive, though some have raised concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, described the project as a "strong match-up" of genre, intellectual property, and developer, noting Saber's ability to manage multiple high-profile releases annually.
Other major announcements from PlayStation's showcase
PlayStation's event also unveiled several other high-profile projects, including a remake of the first three God of War games by Santa Monica Studios. While no release date was provided for the remakes, the studio unexpectedly announced Sons of Sparta, a side-scrolling 2D prequel available immediately.
Fans of the Silent Hill series were given their first look at Townfall, a new survival horror game set on St. Amelia, a fictional island inspired by Scotland. Additionally, a 30th-anniversary edition of the platformer Rayman was announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 classic. Loic Gounon, brand producer for the game, told the BBC the collection would include a new documentary on the making of the original title and accessibility updates to enhance the experience for modern players.
Release timeline and industry context
No release date has been confirmed for the John Wick game. The film franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, follows the story of a retired assassin seeking vengeance. With Saber Interactive's track record and the involvement of key creative figures, the game is poised to attract significant attention from both gaming and film audiences.
