Turok & NBA Jam Developer Acclaim Is Back After 21 Years With 9 New Games, And Here’s What the CEO Told Us

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In the 1990s, Acclaim Entertainment was a highly productive and renowned brand in the video game industry, known for producing popular series such as Burnout and NBA Jam. However, the company faced difficulties in the 2000s, eventually closing its doors in 2004. Many of their assets were purchased by companies like THQ and Crave Entertainment. My favorite title from Acclaim, Turok, changed hands numerous times (at one point owned by Disney) before finding a home at Saber Interactive a few years ago. If you played video games on a console in the ’90s, you certainly knew Acclaim, but times have evolved since then.

In the year 2004, neither the Xbox 360 nor PS3 had been launched, Spider-Man 2 was newly released, Usher ruled the music charts, and George W. Bush was still serving his first term as president. Fast forward to today, our entertainment preferences and common technologies have dramatically shifted from what seemed like science fiction back then. Remember, people hardly took Apple seriously when they began working on their own phone around that time. And yet, here we are, surprised by Acclaim’s return after a 21-year absence. It’s not a brand many younger generations recognize, but their comeback certainly sparks curiosity.

This year, Acclaim was brought back to life after being frozen for more than two decades. Immediately after their return, they dived headfirst into creating numerous fresh video game titles. Now, they’ve announced their first lineup, which consists of an impressive nine games. Since the previous sale, there are no recurring intellectual properties in this new collection. However, you can see traces of the older games in these recent releases.

Acclaim’s 9 New Games Explained

Game Survive & Thrive: Perilous Packages Delivery

In this exciting game, navigate through a treacherous world filled with dangers lurking around every corner. Your mission is to deliver packages while evading deadly hazards and relentless enemies. Arm yourself with quirky power-ups to defend against adversity, and enhance your survival skills by selecting from an array of unique perks that increase your chances of making it through each level alive. The platforms for this game are yet to be announced (PC & consoles TBD).

Ground Zero Hero (Platforms to be determined): Ground Zero Hero is an action game blended with roguelike mechanics and minimal survival aspects, unfolding in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Fight off grotesque mutants, absorb their radioactive insides to empower yourself with fresh abilities… and don’t forget to munch on plenty of candy!

Basketball Classic (PC, Nintendo Switch) – A Modern Take on 5-on-5 Pro Basketball Inspired by Golden Era Sports Games

This game is a modern interpretation of the classic 5-on-5 basketball experience that was born during the golden era of sports video games. Essentially, it’s the spiritual successor to the iconic 8-bit basketball titles. It serves as a bridge between retro gaming and today’s simulation style games.

Pixel Washer (Platforms yet to be announced): Embark on an adventure as Pigxel, a determined pig equipped with a potent power washer. Your mission is to tidy up a chaotic town. Utilizing your reliable cleaning tool, you’ll squirt through an array of thrilling obstacles!

Fletcher’s Escape: A Mind’s Labyrinth (Platform TBC)

Experience the mental turmoil of Fletcher Howie Jr., a game developer nearing the edge of both physical and emotional exhaustion as he approaches the culmination of an arduous project. An unfortunate session with a psychologist turns catastrophic, forcing you to navigate your treacherous psychological prison in a Metroidvania-style game drenched in anxiety, inspired by a genuine tale.

GRIDBeat! (Platforms yet to be announced): An action-packed, rhythm-driven cyber labyrinth adventure where timing is crucial or face a permanent shutdown. You’ve successfully infiltrated Knoss.OS, the heavily guarded corporate network of the planet, and stole valuable data. Now you’re stuck inside, pursued by rogue defense mechanisms and harmful malware. The key to your freedom? Adapt to the system’s rhythm. Coordinate your moves with the music. And get out before the network locks you in forever.

Title Unnamed Game (Platforms yet to be determined): This game offers a thrilling, action-packed experience within the realm of a roguelike, where Afro-Brazilian folklore is beautifully depicted in a vibrant, hand-painted world, setting it apart from other games.

Snowboard Syndicate (Platforms yet to be announced): Step into the world of the Snowboard Syndicate! Navigate the snow-capped mountains, compete in races, and traverse the slopes alongside a vibrant ensemble of distinct characters! But what’s the fun without adding some style? By racing and exploring, you can uncover various cosmetics like custom snowboard designs and fashionable outfits to ensure you stand out while carving the pow.

Katanaut (Platforms Yet To Be Determined)

Description: Katanaut is an exhilarating action game, inspired by the Metroidvania style and incorporating roguelite elements, that seamlessly combines intense combat with a chilling cosmic horror theme. You’ll need to slash, dodge, and harness powerful abilities as you fight your way through a station teeming with distorted, formerly human nightmares. As you adapt and survive in this terrifying environment, delve into the darkness to uncover shocking secrets. Fondly nicknamed “Dead Space Cells” by early enthusiasts.

Acclaim CEO Alex Josef’s Interview With ComicBook

Prior to the upcoming event, Alex Josef, CEO of Acclaim, shared insights with ComicBook about the motivations for reviving Acclaim, the creative sources influencing their new game projects, and the timeline they’ve outlined for these developments. He also provided a sneak peek into the future direction of the brand.

In more casual terms, one could ask: “Why bring back Acclaim, an old gaming company that many gamers today may not even know, rather than starting a completely new studio? What’s the long-term plan for this brand beyond just creating games?

Alex Josef: Resurrecting the Acclaim brand isn’t merely about cleaning up an old name. It’s about breathing new energy into a brand that once symbolized entire gaming epochs. Instead of creating something completely new every day, Acclaim’s history gives us a leg-up-people recognize the name and are intrigued, giving us an opportunity to cultivate a whole new wave of fans for Acclaim. Our objective now isn’t merely to release games; it’s to foster a movement that encourages independent creators to experiment with daring concepts and deliver them to players worldwide.

In addition to that, I’d like to discuss the fact that certain of your games tap into a sense of nostalgia, for example, Tossdown, which could be described as a fusion of Crazy Taxi, Paperboy, and Jet Set Radio, and Basketball Classics, harking back to the golden era of sports games. How do you strike a balance between creating contemporary and forward-looking games while still appealing to that sense of nostalgia?

Nostalgia serves as the inspiration, not the blueprint. Games such as Tossdown and Basketball Classics tip their hats to yesteryears, but they’re not mere duplicates of the old Acclaim games; they introduce innovative mechanics, graphics, and fresh developer communities into the picture. Simultaneously, games like Talaka or Ground Zero Hero stride ahead into contemporary genres and styles that can be described as both modern and retro. The equilibrium lies in preserving the essence of what made gaming so captivating while refusing to be confined by the past.

It seems many people might anticipate just a couple of games for this brand’s debut, but surprisingly, there are nine different titles displayed here. Could you elaborate on the variety of game genres you’re covering and the reasons behind your selections? For instance, you’ve got Roguelites, Metroidvania, Soulslikes, arcade-style games, among others.

Starting with nine games might seem daring, but that’s precisely the intention. Our goal was to make a strong statement that Acclaim is making a tangible return. The range of our offerings covers various genres – roguelites, metroidvanias, arcade classics, and narrative-driven adventures. Diversity is crucial. We’re not staking the entire revival on a single game; instead, we’re constructing a diverse collection that reflects the scope of what Acclaim aspires to achieve and evolve into.

Which game do you believe will best showcase the brand for this initial release? While ideally, all games should succeed, is there one that stands out as the main priority?

GRIDbeat represents a fusion of style, competition, and music with an undercurrent of energy – encapsulating the essence of “Retro Future Nostalgia.” It exudes a sense of contemporary cool while stirring memories of classic arcade excitement once linked to Acclaim. The games in this collection are all significant, not just one; our focus is on constructing a robust roster rather than elevating a single title. We take immense pride in the Acclaim line-up.

Could you provide an update on the progress of these game titles? Are they all scheduled for release within the upcoming year, or are some still several months, or even years away from completion?

We have a variety of games in different stages of development. Some are almost finished and will be available for players within the next year. Others need a bit more time to grow and fully develop, so we’re giving them that space. Our showcase is all about being transparent with our fans: we want to give you an idea of what’s close to release, what’s currently in development, and what you can look forward to in the future.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but wonder about the possibility of the beloved Acclaim IP making a comeback in the future. With so many amazing new games being released, it’s easy to forget that classics like Turok have a special place in our hearts. If the assets and IP were sold off, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss – is this the reason behind the creation of a game like Basketball Classic instead of NBA Jam? I’m just curious if there’s any hope for a revival of those iconic titles.

Many beloved classics, such as Turok, are no longer part of our current collection, as they were sold off several years ago. However, we continue to embody the essence of those games. For instance, Basketball Classic may not be NBA Jam, but it captures the same exhilaration of casual and competitive sports gaming. Our primary goal is to develop the future classics. Our development partners are exceptional, and the new intellectual properties we’re creating together not only stand on their own merit but also open up opportunities for potential cross-overs and even reviving Acclaim’s classic games that still resonate with players in 2026 and beyond.

Initially, Acclaim produced games mainly for consoles, such as NES up until Xbox/PS2 times. However, a small number of their games were also released on PC. So, it’s curious why the majority of the games in this collection are coming out on PC first, with only a few exceptions like Basketball Classic.

Today, a personal computer serves as an ideal platform for independent publishing, fostering exploration and allowing organic community development. However, consoles are also part of our future plans-we’re already discussing potential ports. The popular game Basketball Classic is at the forefront due to its multiplayer aspect, but our ultimate goal is to have a multi-platform presence across our entire catalog.

After this showcase, what’s the plan for Acclaim moving forward? Are there any specific objectives or ambitions you have for the company on a personal level?

The following step involves the implementation: We aim to release our games across numerous platforms globally, fostering our developers, and demonstrating that this isn’t merely a flashy exhibition, but a viable business model. Essentially, it’s about making these games accessible to gamers who enjoy immersive, exciting experiences. On a personal note, my ambition is to restore Acclaim’s reputation as a brand synonymous with daring, enjoyable, and unpredictable gaming. This isn’t just about a revival, but a transformation that endures.

And how much have you guys planned out in this first phase of the revival?

For the upcoming 12 to 18 months, we’ve meticulously planned out each step – regular release schedules, marketing campaigns, and phases for community involvement. This initial unveiling is merely the beginning of the story. Behind this, there lies a long-term plan that blends reminiscence with newfound vigor. Our dedication isn’t just sporadic; we’re committed to delivering consistently, not just periodically. Exciting surprises are in store over the next few weeks!

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2025-09-10 22:42