The Resurgence of Acclaim: A New Era for the Iconic Brand

Alex Josef, the CEO of the newly revived Acclaim, reflects on his fond memories of the publisher from his youth, acknowledging both its achievements and mistakes. The original Acclaim was a major player in the 1990s console market, releasing hits like Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and Mortal Kombat, but it ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2004. Josef, however, is not interested in dwelling on the past, instead focusing on the opportunities presented by the brand's resurgence. With a background in PR, marketing, and game development, Josef has been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures, including a cheese and wine bar and a consulting firm. The idea to revive Acclaim came about when Josef and other industry veterans considered applying their combined expertise to revitalizing an iconic brand. Acclaim, with its edgy vibe and associations, stood out as the most appealing option. The new Acclaim aims to pay homage to its heritage while catering to modern gamers. Josef emphasizes that the company will not repeat the controversial marketing stunts of the past, instead opting for creative campaigns that are tasteful and respectful. The CEO acknowledges that many of Acclaim's classic IPs are no longer accessible, having been sold off to various groups, but leaves the door open for potential licensing or acquisition of some of these properties in the future. However, the primary objective of the revived Acclaim is to support indie creators, demonstrating a commitment to games regardless of budget. The company is looking to build a strong foundation, focusing on calculated decisions and partnerships with developers who share their vision. Acclaim recently showcased some of its upcoming titles, including Tossdown and Talaka, and is exploring opportunities to match developers with licensed IPs. Josef reiterates that relicensing old Acclaim properties is not a priority, as it may not be the best move for the company. The decision to acquire the Acclaim brand was not taken lightly, with Josef and his team considering the potential benefits of leveraging an established name in the industry. The CEO believes that the brand's reputation, combined with a clear strategy and a focus on great games, will enable Acclaim to grow and develop in an intelligent and sustainable manner. While some may question the relevance of reviving an old brand, Josef is confident that Acclaim's legacy, paired with a forward-thinking approach, will appeal to both nostalgic gamers and new audiences alike.