More than 20 years after its demise in 2004, Acclaim, the iconic publisher of the 80s and 90s, is announcing its return. The company, which left its mark on generations of gamers with titles such as Turok, NBA Jam, Shadow Man and Burnout, intends to concentrate on independent games and the return of its cult franchises.

A strategic return with a committee of experts

Behind this resurrection is a group of industry veterans, led by Alex Josef, now CEO of Acclaim. The company has surrounded itself with an advisory board made up of Russell Binder (Striker Entertainment), Mark Caplan (Ridge Partners), as well as Jeff Jarrett, a former wrestler and well-known figure in the wrestling video game world.

Jarrett, who has worked with Acclaim on the WWF and TNA Wrestling games, says he is honoured to be involved in this new venture:

I've seen first-hand the impact that great games can have on gamers and fans. Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to pass on that same passion to a new generation.

The project is also supported by Phil Toronto (VaynerFund) and Eric Vogel (JET Management), who will provide their financing and management expertise to ensure sustainable growth.

One mission: to support independents and revive the classics

Acclaim's ambition is not only to publish promising independent games, but also to breathe new life into its historic catalogue. CEO Alex Josef is already promising big announcements:

We're fortunate to have an extremely talented team and have already signed some incredible indie titles, which we'll be unveiling soon.

This relaunch is bound to raise expectations: will we soon see remasters or sequels to cult licences such as Turok, Shadow Man or Burnout? The next few months should reveal the new direction Acclaim is taking.

2025, the year of the big comeback?

With its experienced team, Acclaim seems well equipped to reclaim its place in the video game industry. It remains to be seen whether the studio will be able to appeal to both nostalgic fans and a new generation of gamers, and whether the publisher will not fall into the ‘easy’ trap of lazy remakes or remasters content with their names and nostalgia as the sole sales drivers.

One thing's for sure: it's great to see a first-rate publisher from the 80s and 90s rise from the ashes.

Sources : Time Extension / RetroDodo