More than two decades after the company’s closure, game publisher Acclaim announced its formal return to the industry with a relaunch. Acclaim will provide resources, including funding, marketing, and PR support, to independent studios while aiming to resurrect and revitalize the company’s classic IP.
Acclaim assembled an advisory board with esteemed industry leaders, including Russel Binder at Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan at Ridge Partners, and Jeff Jarrett at Global Force Entertainment. Acclaim’s growth strategy is also supported by Phil Toronto (VaynerFund) and Eric Vogel (JET Management). Toronto and Vogel’s expertise in investment and management will help the company nurture indie developers and long-term success, according to Acclaim.
“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, an iconic publisher known for releasing some of the most legendary games of the ’80s and ’90s,” said Jarrett.
Jarrett continued, “From my early involvement with the publisher’s hit 16-bit WWF titles to my experience helping shape the TNA Wrestling series, which spawned the first video game wrestler to become a full-time roster member in the Squared Circle, I’ve seen firsthand the type of 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.”
Games industry veteran Alex Josef is spearheading Acclaim’s relaunch as CEO.
“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 that we have an extremely talented team and that we’ve already signed some incredible indie titles, which we’ll be revealing soon.”
