Acclaim Returns: Reviving Classics & Supporting Indies

Gaming publisher Acclaim, known for titles like Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam, is back after a 21-year hiatus, aiming to support indie developers and revive classic IPs.

Acclaim Returns: Reviving Classics & Supporting Indies

Get ready for a blast from the past! Acclaim Entertainment, a name synonymous with gaming in the '80s and '90s, is making a comeback after a 21-year hiatus. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in 2004, is being revived by a team of industry veterans with a focus on supporting indie developers and breathing new life into its classic gaming franchises.

For those unfamiliar, Acclaim was a powerhouse publisher back in the day. They brought us console and PC versions of iconic titles like NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat. They also had a strong portfolio of licensed games, including WWF titles, The Simpsons: Bart's Nightmare, Spider-Man games, Alien 3, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and even Space Jam. Let's not forget they also published the first games in the Burnout and Turok franchises.

Supporting Indie Developers

The resurrected Acclaim aims to provide crucial support to indie studios, offering assistance with funding, marketing, and public relations. This is particularly welcome news given the current climate, where securing funding for indie projects can be challenging.

A diverse group of indie game developers brainstorming in a modern, collaborative workspace.

According to a press release from CEO Alex Josef, Acclaim has already signed some indie games and plans to announce them soon. This signals a commitment to nurturing new talent and bringing fresh ideas to the gaming world.

Rebooting the Classics

But the revival doesn't stop there. Acclaim also plans to delve into its extensive back catalog and revitalize its classic gaming IPs. This is where things get really exciting for long-time fans. Imagine a modern take on NBA Jam, complete with updated graphics, gameplay, and rosters. The possibilities are endless!

"Acclaim is back to support indie developers and reboot older IPs."

A split screen showing the original NBA Jam arcade game on one side and a modern, hypothetical NBA Jam remake on the other.

What's Next for Acclaim?

The return of Acclaim is a welcome development for both indie developers and fans of classic games. The company's commitment to supporting new talent and reviving beloved franchises offers a promising future for the gaming industry. Only time will tell what Acclaim has in store, but one thing is certain: the gaming world is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Hopefully, they will give the people what they want, a modern take on NBA Jam!

The Acclaim Entertainment logo with a retro, pixelated effect, superimposed on a vibrant, neon-lit cityscape.

Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements from Acclaim regarding their new indie titles and plans for their classic IPs. The '90s are back, baby!

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