The dark city streets and flashing neon lights shown at Sony’s State of Play on February 12 delivered the shock of the night. Keanu Reeves is stepping back into his most iconic modern role, but not for a fifth movie. Saber Interactive is building a big budget, third-person John Wick action game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. After years of teases, a proper interactive assassin underworld is finally in active development.
The Leap From Strategy to a Big Budget Prequel
The upcoming title completely abandons the slow, tactical roots of earlier adaptations in favor of a full scale third-person action experience. Until now, fans wanting to step into the shoes of the Baba Yaga had very limited options. The primary interactive experience was John Wick Hex, a 2019 release that prioritized grid-based planning over fluid reflexes.
That previous title was entirely delisted from digital storefronts in July 2025 due to expiring licenses. Now, Lionsgate has partnered with Saber Interactive to deliver a true AAA production. In the gaming industry, the AAA label guarantees significant financial backing and large development teams, moving the franchise away from mid-tier experimental projects.
| Feature Comparison | John Wick Hex (2019) | New AAA Game (Upcoming) |
|---|---|---|
| Genre Core | Strategy and resource management | Third-person action adventure |
| Combat Style | Turn-based tactical timeline | Real-time cinematic gun fu |
| Production Value | Mid-size independent budget | High-tier studio investment |
| Platform Focus | Older consoles and PC | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC |
Saber Interactive is taking point on the software engineering. The studio recently proved they can handle beloved intellectual property by delivering fluid, high enemy count combat scenarios in other franchises. They are working directly alongside the film’s creative team to ensure the digital adaptation feels authentic to the cinematic universe.
Saber is honored to be working alongside Chad, Keanu and the Lionsgate team in a true collaboration to bring the world of Wick to life in a AAA game.
That quote from Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch highlights the level of direct Hollywood involvement in the project. The studio is not just borrowing the branding; they are integrating the people who defined the character’s signature look and movement.
Keanu Reeves Returns for an Original Storyline
Players will not just replay the plot of the four films, as Saber Interactive is writing a completely new narrative set years before the movies. The development team confirmed this is an original prequel script. It explores the hitman’s life long before he retired, specifically delivering context around the legendary Impossible Task that allowed him to briefly leave the criminal underworld.
Keanu Reeves has officially signed on to provide both his voice and likeness for the digital version of his character. A brief line of dialogue in the reveal trailer confirmed his involvement, delivering his signature gravelly tone to a fresh set of enemies. Film director Chad Stahelski is also consulting closely on the project, ensuring the in-game action matches his rigorous standards for stunt choreography.
Expanding the timeline gives the writers room to introduce brand new faces while still featuring iconic characters from the High Table network. Movie tie-in games often struggle when they rigidly follow a film’s script, as the pacing of a two-hour movie rarely translates well into a fifteen-hour interactive experience. By setting the story in the past, Saber can design levels around completely new international locations without contradicting the established movie lore.
Real Time Gun Fu Replaces Tactical Planning
Saber Interactive aims to recreate the signature fight choreography of the films by blending martial arts with high speed tactical gunplay. The brief gameplay snippets shown during the digital showcase highlighted smooth animation transitions. Players will flow directly from hand-to-hand melee strikes into precise ranged headshots without missing a beat.
The developers have isolated the specific elements that define the franchise’s visual identity. According to the studio’s initial press details, players can expect a combat system built entirely around these core pillars:
- Intense close-quarters martial arts mixed with firearms
- Cinematic camera work that frames long, continuous combat takes
- Bold and highly stylized neon environments
- High-speed vehicle pursuit mechanics
Here is the official announcement trailer showing the initial environmental design and combat tone:
Saber brings a very specific pedigree to this project. The studio gained major credibility in the action genre recently, moving over 7 million units in the first year with their 2024 blockbuster Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. That title demonstrated their custom engine’s ability to handle chaotic, large-scale battles without dropping frame rates, which will be crucial for a game where the protagonist routinely fights dozens of heavily armed mercenaries simultaneously.
Why Lionsgate Bet Heavy on Console Action
The film studio sees the digital entertainment sector as the primary growth engine for a franchise that has already conquered the box office. The movie series started with a modest budget in 2014 and steadily grew into a global phenomenon. Across four theatrical chapters, the franchise generated a staggering $1.032 billion in worldwide ticket sales.
Management at Lionsgate has been telegraphing this move for quite some time. In late 2022, CEO Jon Feltheimer told investors they were fielding proposals because they believed a major interactive title could be built around the property. By late 2025, executives were openly discussing their gaming ambitions during quarterly earnings calls, signaling a shift away from cheap mobile tie-ins toward prestige software development.
The financial math behind the decision is hard to ignore. According to a 2026 market growth report by Fortune Business Insights, global video game revenue is projected to reach $255.03 billion this year alone. Meanwhile, data aggregation platforms estimate there are roughly 3.58 billion active gamers worldwide. Releasing a high quality, full price action title allows Lionsgate to monetize a dedicated fanbase between theatrical releases.
A release window has not been established yet. High tier game development routinely takes three to five years, especially when incorporating extensive motion capture sessions with A-list actors. The lack of a target year suggests Saber Interactive is prioritizing polish over speed. When the Baba Yaga finally arrives on modern hardware, he will step into a highly competitive market, but the pedigree behind this project suggests he will be well equipped for the fight. For the millions of fans who tuned into the #StateOfPlay broadcast, the wait for a truly interactive #JohnWick experience is finally entering its most exciting phase.
