Acclaim Entertainment Returns: CEO Outlines New Direction for the Iconic 90s Video Game Publisher

Acclaim Entertainment, once a powerhouse publisher responsible for bringing some of the most iconic gaming franchises to home consoles in the 1990s, has officially returned to the industry landscape.

The company, now led by CEO Alex Josef, is looking to recapture some of the industry’s attention by forging a new path for the Acclaim brand, one that prioritizes independent game development and sustainable growth, rather than nostalgia-fueled returns to past intellectual properties. Originally known for handling blockbuster licenses like Mortal Kombat, The Simpsons, and WWF/WWE games, Acclaim’s legacy is deeply embedded in gaming history.

However, as Josef points out in a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, the brand’s cherished IP portfolio was sold off when the company filed for bankruptcy over two decades ago, leaving the revived Acclaim with only its name and heritage.

"All of Acclaim’s owned IP essentially scattered in the wind following the bankruptcy.

For some of those properties, there's simply no path to retrieve them," Josef explained, underscoring the difficulties in reassembling the original library of games. While the company is engaged in ongoing discussions with stakeholders in hopes of reacquiring some classic IP, Josef cautions that return to the previous catalogue is not the focal point for Acclaim’s new era.

"We have spoken with a range of rights holders regarding legacy IP, but often the logistics or financial terms are quite prohibitive for what’s on offer," Josef said.

"Reviving the past isn’t really the goal for this new Acclaim.

Our core mission is to support indie creators of all sizes and to demonstrate that we are committed to great games, regardless of budget." The newly reimagined Acclaim aims to embrace next-generation development for current platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, as well as digital storefronts such as the eShop.

Instead of leaning solely on familiar brands, Josef describes the strategy as building new relationships and ensuring the company supports projects that might otherwise be overlooked.

"We want developers to feel comfortable reaching out, even if they think their budget wouldn’t fit with a publishing label like Acclaim.

This industry isn’t about unnecessary risks, but about finding and nurturing promising new talent." Acknowledging both the celebrated successes and the less memorable missteps of Acclaim's history, Josef is refreshingly candid: "Some of those classic games still resonate with players, but honestly, not everything from the past was a hit.

We are fully aware of our legacy—the good parts and the not-so-good." Acclaim's revival comes after extensive consideration by the new leadership team, who recognize both the challenges and the opportunities inherent in reviving a storied name.

"There was serious debate about whether to start a completely new company," said Josef.

"But having a recognizable, single-word brand like Acclaim—whose legacy and aesthetic appeal are unmatched—makes sense.

We are not newcomers.

We bring industry expertise, a clear strategy, and a commitment to intelligent, thoughtful growth." As Acclaim Entertainment steps boldly into the future, the company intends to honor its name not by dwelling on past glories, but by fostering innovative development and giving new voices in gaming an opportunity to shine on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and beyond.

Acclaim Entertainment Alex Acclaim Alex Josef Nintendo Switch GamesIndustry.biz The Simpsons Mortal Kombat WWF WWE