Acclaim Entertainment Returns in 2025: Supporting Indie Developers and Reviving Classic Franchises
Entry information
Published on: March 04, 2025
Description
Acclaim Entertainment Returns in 2025: Supporting Indie Developers and Reviving Classic Franchises
Acclaim Entertainment, a renowned name in the video game industry throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, has officially announced its return in 2025.
With a fresh strategic direction, Acclaim is set to focus on supporting indie developers and reviving its classic gaming franchises for modern platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
The move positions Acclaim to once again become a key player in the rapidly evolving games market.
Founded in 1987, Acclaim built a legacy with a diverse library of titles, including the Burnout series, Turok, NBA Jam, and other famed properties.
Despite its impressive portfolio, the company declared bankruptcy in September 2004, marking the end of an era.
Now, more than two decades later, Acclaim is making a comeback, emphasizing strategic partnerships and industry support rather than traditional game publishing.
Acclaim’s new CEO, Alex Josef, described the relaunch as both an honor and an exciting challenge.
"Leading the resurgence of Acclaim is immensely rewarding.
We have assembled an exceptionally talented team and have already secured agreements with several promising independent titles that we look forward to unveiling soon," Josef shared in a recent statement.
Central to Acclaim’s new strategy is its shift toward assisting independent studios.
Rather than solely producing games internally, Acclaim will provide essential funding, marketing, and public relations support to indie developers aiming to make their mark in the competitive video game industry.
This commitment will help cultivate fresh talent and bring innovative titles to platforms like the Nintendo Switch and eShop.
Moreover, Acclaim is dedicated to resurrecting its beloved classic IP catalog.
An advisory board featuring industry veterans such as Russell Binder from Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan from Ridge Partners, and renowned WWE personality Jeff Jarrett of Global Force Entertainment has been assembled to guide the company’s efforts.
Their collective expertise is expected to play a crucial role as Acclaim seeks to modernize and reintroduce franchises that shaped an entire generation of gamers.
Throughout its history, Acclaim was recognized for both influential game releases and bold marketing stunts, including its promotional efforts for iconic titles like Burnout 2 and Turok: Evolution.
As the company returns to the market in 2025, it aims to harness its legacy while supporting the next wave of indie talent and reimagining classic franchises for today’s gaming platforms.
Acclaim Entertainment’s return is highly anticipated within the industry, with many fans eager to witness the rebirth of legendary series and the emergence of new indie successes.
As the company prepares for its new chapter, stakeholders and the gaming community alike will be watching closely for upcoming title announcements and platform partnerships.
