A Legacy of Iconic Games
Before its closure in the early 2000s, Acclaim was responsible for some of the most memorable video games of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The company published a diverse range of titles spanning multiple genres, including:
- Mortal Kombat (Home Console Versions) – Acclaim played a crucial role in bringing the legendary fighting game franchise to home consoles, making it a household name.
- NBA Jam – One of the most beloved arcade sports games of all time, featuring fast-paced basketball action and over-the-top dunks.
- Turok: Dinosaur Hunter – A groundbreaking first-person shooter that became a staple of the Nintendo 64 era.
- Shadow Man – A dark and atmospheric action-adventure game with a strong cult following.
- WWF Titles (Warzone, Attitude, and More) – Acclaim produced some of the most memorable wrestling games of the late ‘90s, setting the stage for future wrestling titles such as the WWE 2K series, where PS5 save editing allows for wrestler customization on-par with Acclaim’s early creative tools.
- Extreme-G – A futuristic, high-speed racing series that captivated fans of arcade-style racing games.
- Re-Volt – A creative and fun RC car racing game that remains a nostalgic favorite.
These titles, along with many others, cemented Acclaim’s reputation as a major force in the gaming industry. Now, the publisher is making a return, not only to honor this legacy but to forge a new future for gaming.
Los Angeles, CA – March 4, 2025 – One of the most recognizable names in gaming history is making a triumphant return. Acclaim, the legendary video game publisher that defined a generation of gaming in the ‘80s and ‘90s, is being revitalized by a team of seasoned industry veterans. With a renewed mission, the company aims to support independent developers while breathing new life into its beloved franchises.
A New Era for Acclaim
Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim was responsible for some of the most influential and memorable gaming experiences of its time. Now, decades later, the publisher is poised for a major comeback, focusing on two core initiatives: fostering independent studios and resurrecting classic IPs. Through funding, marketing, and PR support, Acclaim will provide indie developers with the tools they need to bring their unique visions to a global audience.
Guiding this ambitious revival is an esteemed advisory board featuring industry powerhouses such as Russell Binder of Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan of Ridge Partners, and Jeff Jarrett of Global Force Entertainment. Their collective expertise in gaming, licensing, and entertainment will help shape Acclaim’s strategy in revitalizing its rich catalog of franchises while exploring new opportunities.
Strategic Partnerships and Leadership
Acclaim’s resurgence is further bolstered by key investment and management partners, including Phil Toronto of VaynerFund and Eric Vogel of JET Management. Their deep knowledge of investment strategies and business development will be instrumental in ensuring the company’s long-term success.
Among the standout names involved in Acclaim’s return is two-time Hall of Fame wrestler Jeff Jarrett. With over three decades of experience in sports entertainment and gaming, Jarrett is excited about the role Acclaim will play in the modern gaming landscape.
“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,” said Jarrett. “From my early involvement with the publisher’s hit 16-bit WWF titles to my experience helping shape the TNA Wrestling series, I’ve seen firsthand the impact great games can have on players and fans. Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion and love to a new generation, and I’m excited to be involved.”
Acclaim’s New Leadership and Future
Leading the charge as CEO is games industry veteran Alex Josef, who brings over 20 years of experience in marketing and publishing across PC, console, and mobile platforms. His vision for Acclaim’s future is one that honors the company’s legacy while embracing modern innovation.
“It’s an absolute honor and pleasure to be leading the charge in bringing Acclaim back to the forefront of the games industry,” said Josef. “We’re fortunate to have an extremely talented team and have already signed some incredible indie titles, which we’ll be revealing soon.”
As Acclaim enters this bold new chapter, fans can look forward to a mix of nostalgia and fresh, innovative gaming experiences. Whether through the revival of classic franchises or the introduction of groundbreaking indie projects, the publisher is set to make a lasting impact once again. Stay tuned for more updates as Acclaim reclaims its place in the gaming industry.
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