The Resurgence of Acclaim: A New Era for Indie Games

Alex Josef, the CEO of the newly revived Acclaim, has a deep affection for the publisher, which was a major player in the 1990s gaming scene. The company was known for releasing hit titles such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Mortal Kombat, and Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX. However, it filed for bankruptcy in 2004, and the rights to its games were sold to various groups. Josef is not interested in dwelling on the past, instead focusing on the new Acclaim's entrepreneurial opportunities. The new Acclaim is a tale of entrepreneurial spirit, with Josef having worked in the gaming industry since the late 1990s. He has been involved in various side projects, including a cheese and wine bar, and has founded several companies, including VIM Global Consulting and Graffiti Games. The idea to revive Acclaim came about when Josef was approached by industry veterans who wanted to apply their combined expertise to revitalizing an iconic brand. Acclaim was known for its edgy marketing stunts, but Josef does not plan to bring back this aspect of the brand. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of creative marketing campaigns that are not too over-the-top. The company is focused on supporting indie game developers, with a strategy that involves building a strong foundation and not putting all its eggs in one basket. Josef believes that this approach will allow Acclaim to grow and take on riskier projects in the future. The company is looking to sign games that are already in development, rather than taking on high-risk projects that are still in the concept phase. Acclaim has recently released a sizzle reel showcasing some of the games it is publishing, including Tossdown and Talaka. Josef emphasizes that the company is committed to supporting indie developers and helping them bring their games to market. While some of Acclaim's old IP is still relevant, Josef acknowledges that not all of it is worth reviving. The company is instead focused on building a new portfolio of games that will appeal to modern gamers. Josef believes that the Acclaim brand is still relevant and has a lot of potential, and he is excited to see where the company can go in the future. The revival of Acclaim is not just about nostalgia, but about creating a new era for indie games. Josef believes that the company can make a positive impact on the gaming industry by supporting innovative and creative developers. With its focus on indie games and commitment to creative marketing, Acclaim is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming landscape.