A video game publisher with strong ties to the professional wrestling industry has been resurrected, and Jeff Jarrett is on its board.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Acclaim was synonymous with WWE video games. From 1989's WrestleMania on the Nintendo Entertainment System, Acclaim (sometimes under the LJN banner) produced all of WWE's video games until 1999, when the promotion partnered with THQ.
Acclaim was officially dissolved in 2010, but it has been revived as an indie game publisher that focuses on small titles and resurrecting classics. As an added touch for wrestling fans, WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW talent Jeff Jarrett is on the company's advisory board.
“For more than three decades, I've had the privilege to have been a part of both the wrestling and gaming universes, and I'm thrilled to now be a partner in the revival of Acclaim, an iconic publisher known for releasing some of the most legendary games of the ‘80s and ‘90s,” said Jarrett in a press release. “From my early involvement with the publisher’s hit 16-bit WWF titles to my experience helping shape the TNA Wrestling series, which spawned the first video game wrestler to become a full-time roster member in the Squared Circle, I've seen firsthand the type of impact great games can have on players and fans. Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion and love to a new generation, and I'm excited to be involved.”
Alex Josef, the company's CEO, says they've already signed on several indie titles they will reveal in the future. The full press release can be read below:
GAME INDUSTRY VETERANS REVITALIZE LEGENDARY VIDEO GAME PUBLISHER ACCLAIM
The Iconic Publisher Returns with a Focus on Supporting Independent Studios and Original IP While Rekindling Beloved Classics for a New Generation
Los Angeles, CA – March 4, 2025 – After more than two decades, a team of industry veterans has united to bring back one of gaming's most iconic brands. Acclaim, the legendary video game publisher known for its groundbreaking titles in the ‘80s and ‘90s, is officially returning with a bold vision aimed at revitalizing the gaming landscape.
Originally founded in 1987, the relaunch marks an exciting new chapter for the publisher, as it seeks to support indie developers and reignite classic franchises. Acclaim will provide much-needed resources such as funding, marketing and PR support, giving independent studios the opportunity to bring their creative visions to a broad audience.
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. To ensure this vision comes to life, Acclaim has assembled an advisory board comprised of esteemed industry leaders, including Russell Binder at Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan at Ridge Partners and Jeff Jarrett at Global Force Entertainment. Their vast experience and invaluable guidance will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Acclaim's classic franchises and innovative ventures.
Acclaim’s growth strategy is further supported by key partners Phil Toronto, Partner at VaynerFund, and Eric Vogel, Partner at JET Management. Their expertise in investment and management will help foster an environment ripe for nurturing independent developers and driving long-term success alongside the advisory board's leadership.Acclaim’s leadership and board spans the entertainment industry—licensing icons, professional athletes, living music legends and seasoned veterans who have defined the intersection of video games and pop culture. Two-time Hall of Fame wrestler Jeff Jarrett, with over three decades of experience in the sports entertainment and video game industries, underscores how this wealth of expertise will shape the future of Acclaim.
“For more than three decades, I've had the privilege to have been a part of both the wrestling and gaming universes, and I'm thrilled to now be a partner in the revival of Acclaim, an iconic publisher known for releasing some of the most legendary games of the ‘80s and ‘90s,” said Jarrett. “From my early involvement with the publisher’s hit 16-bit WWF titles to my experience helping shape the TNA Wrestling series, which spawned the first video game wrestler to become a full-time roster member in the Squared Circle, I've seen firsthand the type of impact great games can have on players and fans. Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion and love to a new generation, and I'm excited to be involved.”
Tapped to spearhead the relaunch and growth of Acclaim as CEO, is games industry veteran Alex Josef, who brings more than two decades of experience marketing and publishing hundreds of games on PC, console and mobile.
“It’s an absolute honor and pleasure to be leading the charge in bringing Acclaim back to the forefront of the games industry,” said Alex Josef, CEO, “We’re fortunate that we have an extremely talented team and that we’ve already signed some incredible indie titles, which we’ll be revealing soon.”
Acclaim last released a wrestling game, Showdown: Legends of Wrestling, for the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox in 2005.
Acclaim also published the two ECW video games released before the company folded. Click here to read what Francine told Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp about being in those games.
