The Acclaim publishing brand has been revived

After a rocky journey spanning through various decades, it appears that the Acclaim publishing label is experiencing a resurgence. This iconic brand has been instrumental in delivering popular series like Turok, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and many more to home consoles. Following its dissolution in 2010, it’s now been revitalized with a fresh new leadership team. Notable figures on this advisory board include professional wrestler and entertainer Jeff Jarrett, while former Graffiti Games head Alex Josef will assume the role of CEO for the reborn publisher.

This week, the team responsible for the Acclaim comeback announced the brand’s resurgence via a press statement. They are planning to make a return with a focus on assisting independent studios and developing unique intellectual properties, as mentioned by Josef.

Josef is primarily recognized for his role as CEO at Graffiti Games, a company under whose leadership games such as Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion and The King’s Bird were published. Jeff Jarrett serves on the advisory board supervising Acclaim’s operations, while other members include Russell Binder from Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan from Ridge Partners, along with partners like Phil Toronto of VaynerFund and Eric Vogel from JET Management.

Over the years, the brand Acclaim has experienced highs and lows. Established in 1987, Acclaim gained recognition by publishing home versions of popular arcade games such as NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat. It also saw success with the release of numerous hit titles like Turok. Regrettably, its initial phase came to an end due to bankruptcy in 2004. However, it was reborn as Acclaim Games in 2006 but eventually ceased operations again in 2010. Despite these setbacks, the brand has left a significant mark on our industry, with its story detailed further in its Shacknews Hall of Fame 2021 entry.

In a new resurgence, with an emphasis on independent studios and unique content, it’s intriguing to ponder whether the Acclaim brand will persist this time. Keep an eye on the Acclaim segment for updates and further insights on its progress.

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2025-03-04 19:04