The intersection of movies and gaming is a rich cultural landscape, where iconic films inspire interactive experiences. But sometimes, the perfect studio isn’t tapped for the job, leaving fans wondering what could have been. Saber Interactive’s upcoming John Wick game has many questioning why Sloclap, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Sifu, wasn’t chosen to bring the Baba Yaga’s brutal ballet to life.
Key Points
- Saber Interactive is developing a new AAA John Wick game.
- Many believe Sloclap, the studio behind Sifu, would have been a better fit due to their expertise in close-quarters combat.
- Sifu features a detailed melee combat system with directional-input dodges and counters reminiscent of John Wick‘s fight choreography.
- Sony’s February 2026 State of Play event, which revealed the John Wick game, became its most-watched broadcast ever, with over 3.3 million views on YouTube.
The Case for Sloclap: Masters of Melee
Sloclap burst onto the scene with Absolver and cemented their reputation with Sifu, showcasing a mastery of intricate and thoughtful melee combat systems. Sifu, one of the most fascinating action games of 2022, impressed players with its unique approach to death, where the player character ages rapidly with each defeat. The game’s Club level, in particular, draws heavy inspiration from John Wick, albeit without the guns.
A Missed Opportunity?
The core of Sifu‘s gameplay revolves around gratifying close-quarters combat, featuring directional-input dodges and counters. This is precisely what makes fans believe Sloclap would have been the ideal choice for a John Wick adaptation. Modders have even taken it upon themselves to reskin Sifu to resemble a John Wick game, replacing the protagonist with Keanu Reeves and pitting him against waves of enemies.
Saber Interactive’s Challenge
Saber Interactive now faces the daunting task of proving they can deliver a John Wick game as electric and fun as Sloclap potentially could have. If gunplay doesn’t play a significant role in Saber’s John Wick, the absence of Sloclap at the helm will be even more glaring. The pressure is on to capture the visceral, cinematic feel that fans associate with the John Wick franchise.
AAA John Wick Game: A Sign of the Times
The announcement of a cinematic AAA John Wick game is exciting news for fans of both gaming and the John Wick franchise. However, some question the timing, noting that the John Wick movies have seemingly “dried up lately,” with the future of a fifth movie starring Keanu Reeves uncertain. Despite this, the popularity of Sony’s State of Play event, which revealed the game and other titles, reached record heights, becoming the most-watched broadcast ever with over 3.3 million views on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are fans disappointed that Sloclap isn’t developing the John Wick game?
- Many believe Sloclap’s expertise in close-quarters combat, as demonstrated in their game Sifu, makes them a natural fit for a John Wick adaptation. Sifu‘s combat system features intricate melee mechanics, directional dodges, and counters, mirroring the stylish fight choreography seen in the John Wick movies.
- What is Sifu, and why is it relevant to the John Wick game discussion?
- Sifu is a critically acclaimed action game developed by Sloclap, known for its challenging and rewarding melee combat system. Its detailed and thoughtful approach to hand-to-hand fighting has led many to believe that Sloclap would have been the ideal studio to develop a John Wick game, given the franchise’s focus on close-quarters combat.
- Who is developing the John Wick game, and what challenges do they face?
- Saber Interactive is developing the new AAA John Wick game. They face the challenge of meeting high expectations, especially with comparisons to Sloclap’s Sifu. They need to prove they can create a John Wick game that is as fun and engaging as what Sloclap could have potentially delivered.
- What was revealed at the February 2026 Sony State of Play?
- The February 2026 State of Play from Sony revealed upcoming games, including a new John Wick title. The event was highly successful, drawing over 3.3 million views on YouTube, surpassing previous broadcasts. Other highlights included the PC port of Death Stranding 2.
The Bigger Picture
- The debate over which studio should develop a John Wick game highlights the importance of matching a developer’s expertise with the source material. Sloclap’s Sifu demonstrated a clear understanding of cinematic melee combat.
- Sony’s February 2026 State of Play’s record viewership, reaching over 3.3 million viewers, underscores the massive interest in gaming adaptations of popular franchises.
- The modding community’s efforts to reskin Sifu as a John Wick game further illustrate the demand for this particular type of game. These fan-made projects often highlight untapped potential in the gaming industry.
- While the future of the John Wick film franchise is uncertain, the development of a AAA game suggests continued investment in the IP and its potential for expansion into new media.
Source: screenrant.com
