After more than 20 years since its closure in 2004, Acclaim Entertainment is making a comeback. The revived company is setting its sights on independent games and classic franchises, with a vision to bring its beloved intellectual properties back to life.
"One of our primary goals is to resurrect and reinvigorate Acclaim’s cherished game portfolio, which has been enjoyed by millions of players over the years," the company announced in a recent statement.
Acclaim has assembled an advisory board featuring prominent industry figures, including Russell Binder of Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan from Ridge Partners, and Jeff Jarrett of Global Force Entertainment. The company also has strategic backing from key partners such as Phil Toronto of VaynerFund and Eric Vogel from JET Management, whose expertise in investment and management will help fuel the growth of independent developers and ensure long-term success.
The involvement of former professional wrestler Jeff Jarrett is particularly notable, as it reflects Acclaim’s long history in wrestling video games. Jarrett, who has wrestled for organizations such as WWF, WCW, WWA, and AEW, expressed his excitement about the company’s revival:
"For over 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of both the wrestling and gaming industries. Now, being a partner in Acclaim’s revival is an incredible opportunity. Acclaim is known for publishing some of the most iconic games of the ‘80s and ‘90s, including hit WWF titles and the TNA Wrestling series, which helped launch the first video game character into real-life wrestling. Reviving Acclaim means bringing that same passion and innovation to a new generation of gamers, and I’m thrilled to be part of it."
Acclaim’s new CEO, Alex Josef, also shared his enthusiasm for the company’s return:
"Leading the revival of Acclaim is both an honor and a tremendous opportunity. We have an exceptionally talented team and have already secured some amazing indie titles, which we’ll be announcing soon."
Originally founded in 1987 by Greg Fischbach, Robert Holmes, and Jim Scoroposki, Acclaim was once a dominant force in the gaming industry, known for publishing legendary titles such as WWF WrestleMania, The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Shadow Man, and Burnout, among others. However, in September 2004, the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, leading to the sale of its assets to various other publishers.
With its return, Acclaim is looking to build on its legacy while embracing the future of gaming. The industry will be watching closely to see what classic franchises might make a comeback and how the company will support the indie development scene.
Opinion:
Acclaim’s revival is an exciting development for both longtime gamers and the indie gaming scene. While many of its classic franchises were sold off after the 2004 bankruptcy, the company still has the opportunity to revitalize its brand and bring back the spirit of the games that made it a household name. Wrestling fans in particular may be intrigued by Jeff Jarrett’s involvement, considering Acclaim’s history with wrestling games. However, the real question is how the company will differentiate itself in today’s competitive market. Will it focus on nostalgia-driven remasters, or will it introduce fresh, innovative titles that push gaming forward? Either way, it’s a comeback worth keeping an eye on.
