The iconic 1990s video game publisher, Acclaim, is making a comeback.  Known for publishing influential titles on consoles like the Sega Genesis, SNES, and Game Gear, including early Mortal Kombat games and racing titles like Ferrari Grand Prix Challenge and Re-Volt, Acclaim is returning with a renewed focus.

A team of industry veterans is spearheading Acclaim's revival.  Their strategy prioritizes supporting new indie games and developing original intellectual property. While acknowledging their rich history, Acclaim also plans to revisit and revitalize classic franchises, although specific titles remain undisclosed.  This new venture includes experienced professionals like Russell Binder (Striker Entertainment), Mark Caplan (Ridge Partners), Jeff Jarrett (Global Force Entertainment), and figures from the broader entertainment world, such as wrestler Jeff Garret.

Originally founded in 1987 by Greg Fishbach (who is not involved in this revival), Acclaim became renowned for publishing groundbreaking titles like NBA Jam and the controversial Mortal Kombat, a game that played a role in the creation of the ESRB.  After Acclaim Entertainment's closure in 2004, a successor, Acclaim Games, operated from 2006 to 2010. Now, nearly two decades later, the company returns with a new team and a different landscape, with ownership of some of its classic brands like NBA Jam (now with EA) and Turok (now a Universal Studios IP) residing with other companies.

Despite current industry challenges, including layoffs and studio closures, Acclaim aims to release its first game in 2025, possibly in Q3.  According to Alex Josef in a GamesBeat interview, the company intends to prioritize rapid revenue generation to fuel further development, potentially releasing three to four games annually as their processes become more streamlined.