John Wick Games Guide 2026: The AAA Reveal, “Gun-Fu” Combat, and Delisted Classics
“Yeah, we’re thinking he’s back.”
If you have been tracking the intersection of cinema and gaming, you know the John Wick franchise has been sitting on a goldmine of potential for over a decade. The films have grossed over $1 billion globally, redefining action cinema with “Gun-Fu” choreography that practically begs to be played. Yet, for years, the gaming history of the Baba Yaga has been a neon-lit maze of tactical spin-offs, VR experiments, and cameo appearances.
That changed in February 2026.
During the recent Sony State of Play, the landscape for John Wick games shifted permanently. We finally have confirmation of the AAA blockbuster fans have demanded since the first dog was killed in 2014. But with new announcements comes confusion, especially regarding the older, now-delisted titles that are disappearing from digital storefronts.
This guide breaks down the massive 2026 Saber Interactive announcement, explores the London-born legacy of John Wick Hex, and provides a practical roadmap for UK gamers to experience the full history of the High Table.
The 2026 “Untitled John Wick Game”: Everything We Know So Far
For years, rumours circulated about a major studio taking on the license. We now have concrete details. Lionsgate has partnered with Saber Interactive to develop a high-budget, third-person action game that aims to replicate the flow of the films.
Saber Interactive & The Return of Keanu Reeves
The choice of developer is significant. Saber Interactive is best known for World War Z and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. They specialise in handling massive enemy counts and visceral, weighty combat, essential ingredients for a John Wick simulator.
According to the official PlayStation Blog announcement, the project is not just a spin-off; it is a full narrative expansion. Most importantly for fans, Keanu Reeves is confirmed to provide both the voice and motion capture for the character. This isn’t a sound-alike situation. The studio is working directly with Chad Stahelski (the film franchise director) to ensure the combat mechanics align with the stunt team’s 87Eleven philosophy.
Gameplay Mechanics: Mastering the “Gun-Fu” System
The core promise of this new title is a translation of “Gun-Fu” into real-time gameplay. Previous John Wick games like Hex treated combat as a strategy puzzle. The 2026 title moves into pure action.
Based on the reveal footage and developer commentary, we can expect:
- Close-Quarters Shooting (CQS): A seamless blend of grappling, judo throws, and pistol execution shots.
- Environmental Improvisation: The ability to use pencils, books, and shattered glass as lethal weapons.
- Ammo Management: Unlike standard shooters, reloading appears to be a tactical mechanic rather than a passive animation, mirroring the “tactical reloads” seen in the films.
Setting the Timeline: Before the “Impossible Task”
Narratively, the game creates a fascinating pocket of lore. It is confirmed to be a prequel.
The story takes place years before the first film, during John’s prime years serving Viggo Tarasov. This is the era where he earns his reputation as the Baba Yaga. We will likely witness the events leading up to the “Impossible Task” that allowed him to retire. For lore hunters, this is the Holy Grail, a chance to see the Continental and the High Table at the height of their power, long before John tore them down.
John Wick Hex (2019): The London-Made Tactical Masterpiece
While the world waits for the AAA title, we cannot overlook John Wick Hex. For UK gamers, this title holds special significance: it was developed by Bithell Games, an independent studio based right here in London.
Why UK Gamers Should Care About Bithell Games
Mike Bithell (creator of Thomas Was Alone) took a bold approach. Instead of a shooter, he built a timeline-based strategy game.
My Experience: When I first played Hex, it felt jarring. You don’t aim and shoot; you manage a timeline at the top of the screen. Every action, moving, shooting, reloading, costs time. If an enemy’s punch takes 0.5 seconds and your shot takes 0.8 seconds, you will get hit. It forces you to think like John Wick, not just react like him. It captures the mindset of the character better than any shooter could.
The 2025 Delisting: How to Still Play Hex in the UK
Here is the bad news. As of 17 July 2025, John Wick Hex was delisted from Steam, the PlayStation Store, and the Xbox Marketplace due to licensing agreements expiring between Lionsgate and the publisher, Good Shepherd Bithell Games Official Statement.
If you didn’t buy it digitally before then, you cannot download it.
However, UK gamers have a lifeline. Physical media is king here.
- PlayStation 4 & Nintendo Switch: Physical copies were distributed in the UK and Europe. You can still find these pre-owned at retailers like CEX or purely online via eBay UK.
- Price Check: As of early 2026, prices for physical copies are rising due to the delisting news. If you see a copy in your local GAME or charity shop, grab it. It is becoming a collector’s item.
The VR Chronicles & Forgotten Hits
The franchise’s history with gaming is littered with experiments.
John Wick Chronicles (2017)
Released for the HTC Vive, John Wick Chronicles was a wave-based VR shooter. It let you stand on the roof of the Continental and snipe enemies. While immersive, it lacked mobility. You were essentially a turret. It’s a fun curiosity for VR owners, but it lacks the narrative depth of the main entries.
Payday 2: The First Digital Appearance
Before he had his own game, John Wick was a playable character in Payday 2. This 2014 crossover was actually the first time verified John Wick games content appeared. He was introduced as a “Hitman” perk deck user, bringing akimbo pistols into the heist simulator. It remains one of the best ways to play as the character in a co-op setting.
Crossovers: John Wick in Fortnite & Beyond
For a younger generation of gamers, John Wick is primarily known as “that guy from Fortnite.” Epic Games added the official skin (often confused with the “Reaper” Season 3 skin) years ago, and it remains one of the most coveted cosmetics in the game.
When will the John Wick Fortnite Skin return in 2026?
The “John Wick” outfit usually returns to the Item Shop during major franchise milestones.
- Historical Pattern: It appeared during the release of Chapter 4 and during the 10th-anniversary celebrations.
- 2026 Prediction: With the Saber Interactive game marketing ramping up later this year, expect the skin (along with the “Simple Sledge” pickaxe) to return to the UK Item Shop around Summer 2026 to build hype for the new title.
Upcoming Release Date & Platform Availability
Saber Interactive has been tight-lipped about a specific day, but the window is set.
| Feature | Details |
| Developer | Saber Interactive (in collaboration with Lionsgate) |
| Release Window | Late 2026 / Early 2027 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Engine | Proprietary Swarm Engine (Likely, based on Space Marine 2) |
| Multiplayer | Unconfirmed (Focus is Single Player Campaign) |
Note for PC Gamers: Given Saber’s history, expect high system requirements. The sheer number of enemies and physics objects (destructible environments) will likely demand modern hardware.
FAQs
Is there a John Wick game for PS5?
Yes, the untitled AAA game announced in February 2026 is being built specifically for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. There is no native PS5 version of John Wick Hex, though the PS4 version is backward compatible.
Why was John Wick Hex removed from Steam?
It was removed due to the expiration of the licensing contract between the publisher and the IP holder. This is common with movie-tie-in games.
Is Keanu Reeves in the new John Wick game?
Yes. Keanu Reeves is providing his likeness and voice acting for the upcoming Saber Interactive title.
Will there be a John Wick 5 game?
The new game is a prequel, not a sequel to John Wick 4. It tells an original story set before the films.
Can you play John Wick in VR?
Yes, John Wick Chronicles is available for PC VR headsets, though it is an older title (2017) with limited movement mechanics.
Is John Wick in Fortnite right now?
The skin rotates in and out of the shop. It is not permanently available but returns during special events or sales updates.
What is the best John Wick game to play in 2026?
Currently, John Wick Hex is the best dedicated experience, provided you can find a copy. For pure action, the Payday 2 crossover is the closest alternative until the new AAA game launches.
Conclusion
From the tactical depths of London’s John Wick Hex to the high-budget future promised by Saber Interactive, the Baba Yaga is finally claiming his throne in the gaming world.
The 2026 announcement is more than just a press release; it is a validation of the franchise. Having played the “Timeline” strategy of the early years, the shift to a Keanu-led AAA title feels like the franchise has finally graduated to the High Table of gaming. We are moving from indie experiments to a blockbuster simulator.
For now, check your local CEX for a copy of Hex, reinstall Payday 2, and get your PC ready. The High Table is calling.
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