In a remarkable turn of events, the iconic publisher Acclaim is set to make a comeback, breathing new life into its storied legacy. The revitalized company aims to support independent studios by providing essential resources such as funding, marketing, and public relations assistance, while also focusing on the revival of classic franchises that once defined the gaming landscape.
Leadership and Vision
At the helm of this ambitious revival is Alex Josef, a seasoned industry veteran who previously founded and served as CEO of Graffiti Games. Joining him in this venture are notable advisors including Russell Binder, Mark Caplan, and professional wrestling star Jeff Jarrett, each bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the table.
Founded in 1987, Acclaim enjoyed a prominent position in the gaming industry until its unfortunate bankruptcy in 2004. Josef expressed his enthusiasm for leading the company’s resurgence, stating, “It’s an absolute honour and pleasure to be leading the charge in bringing Acclaim back to the forefront of the games industry. We’re fortunate that we have an extremely talented team and that we’ve already signed some incredible indie titles, which we’ll be revealing soon.”
A Legacy Reimagined
Jeff Jarrett, who has spent over three decades straddling the worlds of wrestling and gaming, shared his excitement about the revival. “For more than three decades, I’ve had the privilege to have been a part of both the wrestling and gaming universes, and I’m thrilled to now be a partner in the revival of Acclaim, an iconic publisher known for releasing some of the most legendary games of the ‘80s and ‘90s,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his experiences with Acclaim’s hit 16-bit WWF titles and the TNA Wrestling series, Jarrett emphasized the profound impact that great games can have on players and fans alike. He sees the resurrection of Acclaim as an opportunity to channel that same passion and love into creating memorable experiences for a new generation of gamers.
As Acclaim embarks on this exciting journey, the gaming community eagerly awaits the unveiling of new projects that promise to honor the company’s rich heritage while fostering innovation in the indie game space.
