Acclaim, the US publisher that thrived in the 1990s, is officially making a comeback with a special showcase presentation next month. Originally declared bankrupt on September 1, 2004, the company was resurrected earlier this year under CEO Alex Josef, founder and former CEO of Graffiti Games (Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion).
In a post on the publisher’s newly reactivated X account, Acclaim announced its first showcase will be held on September 10 at 11:30am PT / 2:30pm ET / 7:30pm BST.
“Transmission received,” the teaser reads. “Tune into the #PlayAcclaim showcase on September 10th, where we will begin this exciting new chapter for Acclaim. Join us at [Acclaim’s YouTube channel] as we showcase the titles that will mark the beginning of a bold new era. We’re not just back, we’re levelling up.”
Best remembered for its licensed titles, Acclaim says one of its main goals is to “resurrect and revitalize its beloved portfolio of classic IP enjoyed for years by millions of players.”
CEO Alex Josef added:
“We’re not here to chase ghosts. We’re here to take the energy and chaos that made Acclaim unforgettable and channel it into something new. The old screens are cracking, and what’s coming through is something exciting and different.”
To help shape this revival, an advisory board of industry veterans has been assembled, including Russell Binder (Striker Entertainment), Mark Caplan (Ridge Partners), and pro wrestler–turned–entrepreneur Jeff Jarrett.
Jarrett, who previously featured in Acclaim’s WWF Attitude game, commented:
“For more than three decades, I’ve had the privilege to be 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.”
Across its original lifespan, Acclaim published nearly 300 titles, many adapted from blockbuster films and TV shows. Among its most notable releases were the WWF series, The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants, Terminator 2, Alien 3, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, South Park, and the home console versions of Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam.
