Acclaim is officially back, and they’ve come out swinging. Once a powerhouse publisher that disappeared in 2004, the legendary name has been resurrected under the leadership of Alex Josef, former head of Graffiti Games. Today’s Play Acclaim Showcase wasn’t just a nostalgia trip — it was a full-blown announcement of nine new indie titles that show exactly where the “new” Acclaim wants to go.
The Big Comeback
The showcase opened with the surprise reveal of Katanaut, which is available right now. From there, the event kept momentum going with a mix of genres — rhythm-action, roguelites, retro sports, and even a pressure-washing pig. The message was clear: Acclaim isn’t trying to compete with the big AAAs, they’re carving out space for unique, vibrant indie experiences.
All Nine Games Announced
- Katanaut – Surprise release, available now.
- GRIDBeat! – Rhythm-action side-scroller that syncs movement to the beat. PC confirmed.
- Basketball Classics – Already on PC, now coming to Nintendo Switch. Retro sports done old-school.
- Ground Zero Hero – A candy-fueled roguelite survival adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Pixel Washer – Play as a pig with a pressure washer cleaning up a pixelated mess. Quirky and strangely satisfying.
- Talaka – A stunning roguelite inspired by Afro-Brazilian myth, with a bold hand-painted style.
- TossDown – A chaotic delivery action game launching in 2026 for PC and consoles.
- The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest – A metroidvania set inside the mind of a game dev struggling with anxiety.
- Hyper Yuki Snowboard Syndicate – Arcade-style snowboarding with heavy SSX Tricky vibes.
Acclaim Showcase Video
A New Vision for Acclaim
Josef made it clear in post-show interviews that this isn’t the Acclaim of old, but it still carries the same spirit. Where the original Acclaim was loud and larger-than-life, today’s version channels that energy into empowering smaller studios. The goal? To help indie developers create standout projects that feel bold, weird, and memorable.
“The old Acclaim was chaotic fun. That essence is still here,” Josef explained. “But today, Acclaim is about championing original voices, unique mechanics, and a vibe that cuts through the mundane.”
Why This Matters
Gamers who grew up in the ’90s will remember Acclaim for everything from licensed titles like Mortal Kombat to cult classics. Seeing the name return isn’t just about nostalgia, though — it’s about giving a new generation of players and developers a chance to shine under a legendary banner. Whether you’re into roguelites, retro sports, or just want to play as a pig with a washer, Acclaim’s lineup has something odd, refreshing, and exciting for everyone.
In Summary
The first Play Acclaim Showcase set the tone for the publisher’s revival: nine games, a strong focus on indie talent, and a vision rooted in creativity. It’s not just about reliving the past — it’s about making sure Acclaim’s name stands for something exciting again in 2025 and beyond.
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