Acclaim Returns as Indie Publisher and Wants to Revive Classic IP

After more than two decades, video game publisher Acclaim is making a comeback. The publisher returns with a focus on supporting independent studios and original IP, while reviving classics for a new generation.

After more than two decades, Acclaim is making a comeback. The publisher, originally founded in 1987, is looking to support indie developers and revive classic franchises. Acclaim will provide resources such as funding, marketing and PR support, giving independent studios the opportunity to bring their games to a wider audience. One of the key objectives for the relaunched Acclaim is to revive and revitalise its portfolio of classic IP.

Tapped to lead the relaunch and growth of Acclaim as CEO is Alex Josef. He founded and ran Graffiti Games and provided consultancy services to video games, entertainment and technology companies at VIM Global Consulting since 2009. "It's an absolute honor and pleasure to be leading the charge in bringing Acclaim back to the forefront of the games industry," said Alex Josef, CEO. "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."

The advisory board includes Russell Binder of Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan of Ridge Partners and Jeff Jarrett (two-time Hall of Fame wrestler) of Global Force Entertainment. Acclaim's growth strategy is also supported by key partners Phil Toronto, Partner at VaynerFund, and Eric Vogel, Partner at JET Management.

"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. "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."

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