The PlayAcclaim Showcase kicked off the old publisher’s resurrection tour by revealing over half a dozen new indie games.
Weird to think that a whole generation of gamers won’t even recognize the publisher!
Acclaim was one of the biggest video game publishers of the late 80s and early 90s, mostly known for arcade games like Mortal Kombat, and sports games. The company filed for bankruptcy back in 2004.
Fast-forward 20 years later, and a new company has arisen, purchasing the Acclaim, Inc trademark and redefining itself as a publisher of retro-inspired indie games.
The new Acclaim provides funding and publishing services to developers, including marketing, distribution, and production. Interested developers can reach out and pitch their game via the Acclaim website.
“We’re ecstatic to relaunch Acclaim with a lineup that captures our legacy of bold creativity and delivers fresh, unforgettable experiences,” said Alex Josef, CEO, Acclaim. “These games are just the beginning of our mission to redefine fun for players everywhere.”
The Showcase was pretty cool — no long-winded introductions or talking heads, just pure game trailer goodness.
Here’s a quick rundown of the new announcements. Note that none of the games have a release date, and all have a confirmed Steam platform release (other platforms TBA).
Basketball Classics
Developer: Namo Gamo
What is it: An old-school successor to 8-bit basketball games of yore, with simple 3-button controls and “scream inducing” local multiplayer.
Grid Beat!
Developer: Ridiculous Games
What is it: A psychedelic cyberpunk dungeon crawler meets rhythm game. Players must hack and escape the labyrinthine mainframe while sticking to the beat.
Ground Zero Hero
Developer: Rowan Edmondson
What is it: A bullet heaven action-roguelike (think Vampire Survivors) set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland with an extreme 90s cartoon style.
HyperYuki: Snowboard Syndicate
Developer: Wabisabi Design, Inc
What is it: A colorful snowboarding game with racing, challenges, or just chill endless mode. Plus online and local multiplayer.
Katanaut
Developer: Voidmaw
What is it: A bloody, side-scrolling action game inspired by metroidvanias and roguelikes, set on a creepy space-station with mutant terrors.
Pixel Washer
Developer: Valadria
What is it: Retro PowerWash Simulator? As a pig, powerwash through the piexlated town and build your business.
Talaka
Developer: Potato Kid
What is it: A side-scrolling action-roguelike with a handpainted art style and a unique world and story inspired by Afro-Brazilian mythology.
The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest
Developer: Elden Pixels
What is it: A sidescrolling metroidvania set within the mind of a game developer.
Tossdown
Developer: Fer Factor
What is it: A top-down delivery game in a zany world where everything is trying to stop you.
Some cool-looking indie games! Hopefully we’ll get more news about release dates and platforms soon.
