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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Acclaim announced its return as a video game publisher on March 4, 2025, under CEO Alex Josef. The new company says it will fund and support independent developers and hopes to rekindle classic franchises. But its launch announcement did not identify which, if any, historic franchise rights it controls—so the Acclaim name alone does not mean it owns Mortal Kombat, Turok, NBA Jam, or every game once published by the original company.
What happened when Acclaim returned?
On March 4, 2025, Acclaim announced that it was returning as a publisher. The launch announcement described a contemporary publishing business intended to support independent studios with resources that include marketing and public relations, alongside an ambition to revive classic intellectual property. It named games publishing and marketing veteran Alex Josef as CEO. Acclaim’s launch announcement presented the return as a new phase for the brand, not as confirmation that the company had regained rights to its former catalogue.
Josef described the classic-franchise goal this way: “One of the key goals for the relaunched Acclaim is to resurrect and revitalize its beloved portfolio of classic IP enjoyed for years by millions of players.” That is a statement of intent; the company did not pair it with a list of rights it owned or licensed.
What does the new Acclaim say it does?
Acclaim’s current website describes its offer as funding and publishing support, production, PR and marketing, and distribution. These are the company’s own descriptions of its services. Its about page lists Marc Anthony Rodriguez as Director of Publishing & Strategic Partnerships and names Russell Binder, Tiago Teixera Correia, Mark Caplan, Jeff Jarrett, and Phil Toronto on its advisory board. Acclaim’s about page provides the current company information.
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The stated focus on independent developers is not just part of the launch message: Acclaim now lists games in a catalogue on its official site and describes its business as publishing independent developers’ games.
Does the relaunched Acclaim own Mortal Kombat, Turok, or NBA Jam?
The March 2025 announcement did not specify which classic franchise rights the relaunched company controlled. Contemporary coverage of the launch also noted that the rights question was left unclear. GamesIndustry.biz’s report on Acclaim’s return is explicit about that uncertainty.
The original Acclaim Entertainment was founded in 1987, and its games helped make the name familiar. Acclaim’s launch materials cite Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam among titles associated with the old publisher. Those historical associations do not establish that the current company owns or can publish those properties. The supported description is that Acclaim has expressed an ambition to revive classic franchises; a particular revival would require a specific rights or licensing announcement.
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What has Acclaim published since the announcement?
Acclaim’s official catalogue provides evidence of activity as a publisher beyond the relaunch announcement. Its page for Katanaut identifies it as an Acclaim-published PC game and lists September 10, 2025 as its PC release date. Its Ground Zero Hero page lists August 26, 2026 as the release date. Platform and availability can change, so consult each game page for the current details.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHow to understand the new company versus the original Acclaim
The name connects the current publisher to a recognizable game-industry history, but it does not by itself settle questions of ownership or continuity. The practical distinction is:
- Original Acclaim Entertainment: founded in 1987 and associated with well-known games published during its history.
- Current Acclaim: a publisher that announced its return in 2025, says it supports independent developers, and has stated an interest in classic-franchise revivals.
- Historic game rights: not specified by the relaunch announcement; treat ownership of any particular franchise as unconfirmed unless Acclaim or the relevant rights holder announces it.
Acclaim’s official site also operates a shop selling branded apparel. That shows the present-day brand sells merchandise; it does not establish a link to ownership of the historic game catalogue.
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