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| (2001–2002) | '']'' series | '']'' series }}
| brands = AKA Acclaim<br />Club Acclaim<br />Acclaim Max Sports<br />Acclaim Sports | brands = AKA Acclaim (formerly Acclaim Max Sports)<br />Club Acclaim<br />Acclaim Sports
| subsid = {{section link||Subsidiaries}} | subsid = See {{section link||Subsidiaries}}
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'''Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.''' was an American ] based in ]. Originally formed by ], Robert Holmes and Jim Scoroposki out of an ] storefront in 1987, the company established a worldwide development team through a series of acquisitions in the late 1990s and early 2000s. After poor financial returns in their 2003 ], Acclaim filed for ] in September 2004. Properties owned by Acclaim were subsequently auctioned off to various parties. '''Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.''' was an American ] based in ]. Originally founded by ], Robert Holmes, and Jim Scoroposki from a storefront in ] in 1987, the company built a global development team through a series of acquisitions during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Following disappointing financial results in their 2003 ], Acclaim filed for ] in September 2004. The properties owned by Acclaim were subsequently auctioned off to various parties.


== History == == History ==
=== 1987–1990: Founding === === 1987–1990: Founding ===
In the early 1980s, ] was employed by American video game company ], where he worked together with Robert Holmes and Jim Scoroposki. He left Activision to join ], which was subsequently acquired by ] and Fischbach found himself unemployed. In 1987, he met with Scoroposki in ], where Scoroposki owned a ] company, to discuss a possible shared venture. After Scoroposki suggested that the two should re-enter the video game business, they contacted Holmes to join them, and the three jointly founded Acclaim Entertainment.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/1995/06/acclaim/ |title=Whuppa-whuppa whuppa Eeeeeeeeeee! Krrrroooom! |first=Charles |last=Platt |date=June 1, 1994 |magazine=]}}</ref> Acclaim did not have any ], and was financed entirely by Fischbach and Scoroposki.<ref name=NGen40>{{cite magazine |title=To Hell and Back with Acclaim |magazine=] |issue=40|publisher=] |date=April 1998|pages=10–14}}</ref> In its initial years, Acclaim was exclusively a ], either farming out the creation of its video games to ] or localizing existing video games from overseas. But as it grew, it purchased some independent studios, including ] of ]; ] of ]; and ] of ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/21/business/acclaim-to-buy-iguana.html |title=Acclaim to Buy Iguana |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 21, 1994 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508220927/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/21/business/acclaim-to-buy-iguana.html |archive-date=May 8, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Purchase of Sculptured and Probe"/> In the early 1980s, ] was employed by the American video game company ], where he worked alongside Robert Holmes and Jim Scoroposki. After leaving Activision, he joined ], which was subsequently acquired by ], leaving Fischbach unemployed. In 1987, he met with Scoroposki in ], where Scoroposki owned a ] company, to discuss a potential joint venture. After Scoroposki suggested that they re-enter the video game industry, they contacted Holmes to join them, and the three co-founded Acclaim Entertainment.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/1995/06/acclaim/ |title=Whuppa-whuppa whuppa Eeeeeeeeeee! Krrrroooom! |first=Charles |last=Platt |date=June 1, 1994 |magazine=] |access-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221021548/https://www.wired.com/1995/06/acclaim/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Acclaim did not secure any ] and was entirely financed by Fischbach and Scoroposki.<ref name=NGen40>{{cite magazine |title=To Hell and Back with Acclaim |magazine=] |issue=40|publisher=] |date=April 1998|pages=10–14}}</ref> In its early years, Acclaim operated exclusively as a ], either outsourcing the development of its video games to ] or localizing existing titles from overseas. However, as the company expanded, it acquired several independent studios, including ] of ]; ] of ]; and ] of ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/21/business/acclaim-to-buy-iguana.html |title=Acclaim to Buy Iguana |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 21, 1994 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508220927/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/21/business/acclaim-to-buy-iguana.html |archive-date=May 8, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Purchase of Sculptured and Probe"/>


The name of the company was picked because it had to be alphabetically above the co-founder's former place of employment, ], and also had to be alphabetically above ] (another company formed by ex-Activision employees). This was a common formula for picking names of new companies that were founded by ex-Activision employees (the founders of Activision used this formula when they left ]). The company's name was chosen to ensure it was alphabetically positioned above its co-founder's former employer, ], as well as above ], another company established by former Activision employees. This naming convention was a common practice among new companies founded by ex-Activision employees, as the founders of Activision had similarly adopted this strategy when they left ].


Many of Acclaim's products used licenses from popular ], ] series and ]s.<ref name=NGen11>{{cite magazine |title=75 Power Players |magazine=] |issue=11 |publisher=] |date=November 1995 |page=68}}</ref> Fischbach has said that because the video game market was less discerning during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with specialist gaming publications having little influence on consumer opinion, the use of a popular license was one of the few reliable ways to convince retailers to stock a game.<ref name=NGen40/> In its earlier years, the company entered into an agreement with Interactive VCR Games Inc., whose best sellers include ''NFL Quarterback'', to produce interactive VCR games, as well as its handheld game market.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 1988 |title=Acclaim to Enter Interactive VCR Market |page=8 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 1988 |title=Acclaim Announces New NES Game, Diversifies |page=9 |work=Computer Entertainer}}</ref> They were also responsible for the ] of many of ] arcade games in the early to mid-1990s, including the '']'' series. They also published some games from other companies that at the time of publication did not have an American branch, such as ]'s '']'' and ]'s '']'' series. Many of Acclaim's products featured licenses from popular ], ] series, and ].<ref name=NGen11>{{cite magazine |title=75 Power Players |magazine=] |issue=11 |publisher=] |date=November 1995 |page=68}}</ref> Fischbach noted that during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the video game market was less discerning, with specialized gaming publications exerting minimal influence on consumer opinion. Consequently, leveraging a popular license became one of the few reliable strategies to persuade retailers to stock a game.<ref name=NGen40/> In its early years, the company entered into an agreement with Interactive VCR Games Inc., whose bestsellers included ''NFL Quarterback'', to produce interactive VCR games, as well as expand into the handheld game market.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 1988 |title=Acclaim to Enter Interactive VCR Market |page=8 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 1988 |title=Acclaim Announces New NES Game, Diversifies |page=9 |work=Computer Entertainer}}</ref> Acclaim was also responsible for porting many of ] arcade games in the early to mid-1990s, including the '']'' series. Additionally, they published several games from companies that, at the time of publication, did not have an American branch, such as ]'s '']'' and ]'s '']'' series.


=== 1990–2004: Success === === 1990–2004: Success ===
In 1990, Acclaim partnered with TV producer ] and distributor ] to launch '']'', which subsequently went on air in the fall of 1990.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1990-09-24|title=For Bohbot, the videogame's afoot|work=]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-09-24-OCR-Page-0051.pdf|access-date=2021-10-15|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020022401/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-09-24-OCR-Page-0051.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1990, Acclaim partnered with TV producer ] and distributor ] to launch '']'', which subsequently premiered in the fall of 1990.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1990-09-24|title=For Bohbot, the videogame's afoot|work=]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-09-24-OCR-Page-0051.pdf|access-date=2021-10-15|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020022401/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-09-24-OCR-Page-0051.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


In December 1993, Acclaim signed a distribution deal with the European Spanish branch of ] to allow the company to distribute its titles in Spain.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/1993/biz/news/financial-briefs-155-116702/ | title=Financial Briefs | date=December 21, 1993 }}</ref> In December 1993, Acclaim signed a distribution deal with the European Spanish branch of ], allowing the company to distribute its titles in Spain.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/1993/biz/news/financial-briefs-155-116702/ | title=Financial Briefs | date=December 21, 1993 }}</ref>


In May 1994, former ] president Tom Petit, who had worked at Sega for nine years, became the president of Acclaim's coin-op division.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Acclaim Stakes its Claim |magazine=RePlay |date=January 1995 |volume=20 |issue=4 |page=71 |url=https://archive.org/details/re-play-volume-20-issue-no.-4-january-1995/RePlay%20-%20Volume%2020%2C%20Issue%20No.%204%20-%20January%201995/page/n68}}</ref> In May 1994, Tom Petit, former president of ], who had worked at Sega for nine years, became the president of Acclaim's coin-op division.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Acclaim Stakes its Claim |magazine=RePlay |date=January 1995 |volume=20 |issue=4 |page=71 |url=https://archive.org/details/re-play-volume-20-issue-no.-4-january-1995/RePlay%20-%20Volume%2020%2C%20Issue%20No.%204%20-%20January%201995/page/n68}}</ref>


Through much of the 1990s Acclaim were one of the most successful publishers of console video games in the world. In the financial year ending August 1994 they saw a profit of $481 million, and this figure rose to $585 million the following year.<ref name=NGen11/><ref name=GPro88/> Franchises such as ''Mortal Kombat'', '']'', and '']'' acted as reliable ]s for Acclaim.<ref name=NGen40/> Acclaim's expansion continued when the company signed a relationship with ] whereas Acclaim handled the video game license to some of Marvel's comic book properties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acclaim, Marvel expand alliance - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/06/22/Acclaim-Marvel-expand-alliance/3447772257600/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref> Later that year, the company acquired a minority interest in the FMV gaming studio ] and released its titles through Acclaim Distribution.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 1994 |title=Acclaim And Digital Pictures Agree |pages=163 |magazine=] |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e0/GamePro_US_062.pdf |access-date=September 22, 2023}}</ref> Throughout much of the 1990s, Acclaim was one of the most successful publishers of console video games in the world. In the financial year ending August 1994, the company reported a profit of $481 million, which rose to $585 million the following year.<ref name=NGen11/><ref name=GPro88/> Franchises such as ''Mortal Kombat'', '']'', and '']'' served as reliable ]s for Acclaim.<ref name=NGen40/> Acclaim's expansion continued with the signing of a relationship with ], wherein Acclaim managed the video game licenses for some of Marvel's comic book properties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acclaim, Marvel expand alliance - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/06/22/Acclaim-Marvel-expand-alliance/3447772257600/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref> Later that year, the company acquired a minority interest in the FMV gaming studio ] and began releasing its titles through Acclaim Distribution.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 1994 |title=Acclaim And Digital Pictures Agree |pages=163 |magazine=] |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e0/GamePro_US_062.pdf |access-date=September 22, 2023 |archive-date=July 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722155145/https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e0/GamePro_US_062.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>


In 1995, the company acquired Sculptured Software, Iguana Entertainment and Probe Entertainment and the companies switched to the first-party development studio, known as Acclaim Studios from 1999 to 2004.<ref name="Purchase of Sculptured and Probe">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaim+to+acquire+world%27s+largest+independent+entertainment+software...-a017547855 |title=Acclaim to acquire world's largest independent entertainment software developers; company to purchase both Probe and Sculptured Software in stock swaps. - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date=October 10, 1995 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527185522/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaim+to+acquire+world%27s+largest+independent+entertainment+software...-a017547855 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="NGen13">{{cite journal |last=Sherman |first=Christopher |title=Acclaim Acquires Probe and Sculptured, Bolsters Talent Pool |journal=] |issue=13 |publisher=] |date=January 1996 |page=25 |quote=The acquisitions, which bring an additional 250 programmers, musicians, graphic artists, and engineers, follow Acclaim's purchase of Iguana Entertainment earlier this year.}}</ref> Acclaim's gaming business was further expanded with the purchase of exclusive rights to publish Taito's games in the ].<ref name="GPro88">{{cite magazine |title=Game Industry Rebounds |magazine=] |issue=88 |publisher=] |date=January 1996 |pages=22–23}}</ref> The company also had a ] studio built into their headquarters, making them the first video game company to have an in-house motion capture studio.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Hooray for Hollywood! Acclaim Studios |magazine=] |issue=82 |publisher=] |date=July 1995 |pages=28–29}}</ref> In 1995, the company acquired Sculptured Software, Iguana Entertainment, and Probe Entertainment, with these entities transitioning to the first-party development studio known as Acclaim Studios from 1999 to 2004.<ref name="Purchase of Sculptured and Probe">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaim+to+acquire+world%27s+largest+independent+entertainment+software...-a017547855 |title=Acclaim to acquire world's largest independent entertainment software developers; company to purchase both Probe and Sculptured Software in stock swaps. - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date=October 10, 1995 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527185522/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaim+to+acquire+world%27s+largest+independent+entertainment+software...-a017547855 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="NGen13">{{cite journal |last=Sherman |first=Christopher |title=Acclaim Acquires Probe and Sculptured, Bolsters Talent Pool |journal=] |issue=13 |publisher=] |date=January 1996 |page=25 |quote=The acquisitions, which bring an additional 250 programmers, musicians, graphic artists, and engineers, follow Acclaim's purchase of Iguana Entertainment earlier this year.}}</ref> Acclaim's gaming business further expanded with the acquisition of exclusive rights to publish Taito's games in the ].<ref name="GPro88">{{cite magazine |title=Game Industry Rebounds |magazine=] |issue=88 |publisher=] |date=January 1996 |pages=22–23}}</ref> The company also constructed a ] studio at its headquarters, making it the first video game company to have an in-house motion capture facility.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Hooray for Hollywood! Acclaim Studios |magazine=] |issue=82 |publisher=] |date=July 1995 |pages=28–29}}</ref>


A less significant aspect of Acclaim's business was the development and publication of ]s relating to their software products and the issuance of "special edition" ] ]s, via ], to support the more lucrative ] names. Lastly, they created the ASF/AMC ] which is still in use in the industry today.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://research.cs.wisc.edu/graphics/Courses/cs-838-1999/Jeff/ASF-AMC.html |title=Acclaim ASF/AMC |publisher=Cs.wisc.edu |access-date=December 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608142405/http://www.cs.wisc.edu/graphics/Courses/cs-838-1999/Jeff/ASF-AMC.html |archive-date=June 8, 2011}}</ref> A less prominent aspect of Acclaim's business was the development and publication of ]s related to their software products, along with the issuance of "special edition" ] ]s via ] to support their more lucrative ] names. Additionally, they created the ASF/AMC ], which remains in use in the industry today.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://research.cs.wisc.edu/graphics/Courses/cs-838-1999/Jeff/ASF-AMC.html |title=Acclaim ASF/AMC |publisher=Cs.wisc.edu |access-date=December 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608142405/http://www.cs.wisc.edu/graphics/Courses/cs-838-1999/Jeff/ASF-AMC.html |archive-date=June 8, 2011}}</ref>


Acclaim enjoyed a long relationship with the ] (WWF) dating back to 1988's '']''. However, after failing to match the success of ] (WCW)'s ]/] games amidst the ], the WWF announced to not renew their deal with the company in April 1998 and sign a joint-publishing deal with ] and THQ, which was after WCW's contract with the latter publisher expired and instead signed a deal with rival ].<ref>https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/08/life-after-attitude {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref> in October 1999, Acclaim signed a contract with ] (ECW) to publish video games based on the promotion.<ref>https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/21/ecw-and-acclaim-get-hardcore {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref> Under this contract, Acclaim released two video games until ECW's bankruptcy in 2001 who still owed Acclaim money. The game publisher would release three wrestling titles under the ] banner in the throes of its final years.<ref name="IGNhistory">McLaughlin, Rus {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531193351/http://retro.ign.com/articles/929/929438p4.html |date=May 31, 2010 }} ] (November 12, 2008). Retrieved on 2-03-11.</ref> Acclaim enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the ] (WWF) that dates back to 1988's '']''. However, after failing to replicate the success of ] (WCW)'s ]/] games during the ], the WWF announced in April 1998 that it would not renew its deal with Acclaim, opting instead to sign a joint-publishing agreement with ] and THQ after WCW's contract with the latter publisher expired and signed a deal with rival ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/08/life-after-attitude | title=Life After Attitude | date=April 8, 1999 }}</ref>
In October 1999, Acclaim signed a contract with ] (ECW) to publish video games based on the promotion.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/21/ecw-and-acclaim-get-hardcore | title=ECW and Acclaim Get Hardcore | date=October 21, 1999 | access-date=August 26, 2024 | archive-date=October 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007074211/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/21/ecw-and-acclaim-get-hardcore | url-status=live }}</ref> Under this agreement, Acclaim released two video games until ECW declared bankruptcy in 2001, leaving the promotion still owing Acclaim money. The game publisher subsequently released three wrestling titles under the ] banner during its final years.<ref name="IGNhistory">McLaughlin, Rus {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531193351/http://retro.ign.com/articles/929/929438p4.html |date=May 31, 2010 }} ] (November 12, 2008). Retrieved on 2-03-11.</ref>


=== 2004: Decline and bankruptcy === === 2004: Decline and bankruptcy ===
Acclaim suffered financial problems in 2004, the result of poor sales of its ] titles. This resulted in the closure of ] and ] in ] and other places and their filing for ] protection, leaving many employees unpaid. Amongst the titles under development at the UK studios were '']'', '']'', ''The Last Job'', '']'' and '']''.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128040422/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/acclaim-assets-and-ip-up-for-grabs-at-auction |date=January 28, 2020 }} by Paul Loughrey, GameIndustry.biz, April 26, 2006.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128040426/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97429/Acclaim_Properties_ReAppear_For_Sale.php |date=January 28, 2020 }} by Simon Carless, Gamasutra, September 9, 2005.</ref> Acclaim faced significant financial difficulties in 2004, primarily due to poor sales of its ] titles. This situation led to the closure of ] and ] in ], along with other locations, and resulted in their filing for ] protection, leaving many employees unpaid. Among the titles under development at the UK studios were '']'', '']'', ''The Last Job'', '']'', and '']''.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128040422/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/acclaim-assets-and-ip-up-for-grabs-at-auction |date=January 28, 2020 }} by Paul Loughrey, GameIndustry.biz, April 26, 2006.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128040426/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97429/Acclaim_Properties_ReAppear_For_Sale.php |date=January 28, 2020 }} by Simon Carless, Gamasutra, September 9, 2005.</ref>

⚫ In May 2004, it was announced that ] had revoked its licensing agreement with Acclaim for the ''All-Star Baseball'' franchise due to a failure to make royalty payments. The following month, in June, ''Turok'' owners ] announced that they had terminated Acclaim's video game rights to the franchise, also due to non-payment of royalties.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news050704acclaimlicenses | title=Acclaim loses Turok, Baseball licenses | newspaper=Eurogamer.net | date=July 5, 2004 | access-date=October 26, 2023 | archive-date=October 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007074231/https://www.eurogamer.net/news050704acclaimlicenses | url-status=live }}</ref>


⚫ When Acclaim's agreement with GMAC Commercial Finance, their primary lender, expired on August 20, 2004, the company closed all of its facilities on August 27. This closure resulted in the termination of all employees at the Austin and New York studios.<ref name="Business Journals">{{cite web| url = https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/12/06/daily18.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050301091608/http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/12/06/daily18.html| archive-date = 2005-03-01| title = Acclaim's assets to go on the auction block - 2004-12-08 - Austin Business Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/27/acclaim-closes-offices|title=Acclaim Closes Offices - IGN|date=August 27, 2004|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-date=October 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018092509/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/27/acclaim-closes-offices|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-shutters-offices-staffers-ushered-off-premises/1100-6106088/|title=Acclaim shutters offices, staffers ushered off premises|access-date=August 5, 2018|archive-date=October 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018092445/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-shutters-offices-staffers-ushered-off-premises/1100-6106088/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the closures, Acclaim employed 585 staff worldwide as of March 31, 2004.<ref name="Business Journals" /> On August 30, Acclaim announced its intention to file for bankruptcy,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/30/acclaim-to-file-for-bankruptcy|title=Acclaim to File for Bankruptcy - IGN|date=August 30, 2004|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128113151/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/30/acclaim-to-file-for-bankruptcy|url-status=live}}</ref> officially filing for ] with the ] in ] on September 1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-bankruptcy-now-official/1100-6106290/|title=Acclaim bankruptcy now official|access-date=March 26, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113025016/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-bankruptcy-now-official/1100-6106290/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95197/Acclaim_Officially_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php|title = Acclaim Officially Files for Bankruptcy|date = September 2004|access-date = August 5, 2018|archive-date = October 18, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191018092452/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95197/Acclaim_Officially_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php|url-status = live}}</ref>
⚫ In May 2004, it was announced that ] had revoked its licensing agreement with Acclaim for the ''All-Star Baseball'' franchise due to a lack of royalty payment from the publisher. The following month in June, ''Turok'' owners ] announced that it had terminated Acclaim's video game rights to the franchise also due to non-royalty payments.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news050704acclaimlicenses | title=Acclaim loses Turok, Baseball licenses | newspaper=Eurogamer.net | date=July 5, 2004 }}</ref>


In September 2005, a complaint filed in the same court sought to hold the company's founders, including Fischbach and Scorposki, and several executives accountable for Acclaim's financial losses shortly before the bankruptcy filing, seeking {{US$|150 million|long=no}} in damages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/former-acclaim-boss-slammed-in-court-docs/1100-6132505/|title=Former Acclaim boss slammed in court docs|access-date=August 5, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507004712/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/former-acclaim-boss-slammed-in-court-docs/1100-6132505/|url-status=live}}</ref>
⚫ When Acclaim's agreement with GMAC Commercial Finance, their primary lender, expired on August 20, 2004,<ref name="Business Journals">{{cite web| url = https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/12/06/daily18.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050301091608/http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/12/06/daily18.html| archive-date = 2005-03-01| title = Acclaim's assets to go on the auction block - 2004-12-08 - Austin Business Journal}}</ref> the company closed all of its facilities on August 27,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/27/acclaim-closes-offices|title=Acclaim Closes Offices - IGN|date=August 27, 2004|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-date=October 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018092509/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/27/acclaim-closes-offices|url-status=live}}</ref> of which the Austin and New York studios saw all employees let go.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-shutters-offices-staffers-ushered-off-premises/1100-6106088/|title=Acclaim shutters offices, staffers ushered off premises|access-date=August 5, 2018|archive-date=October 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018092445/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-shutters-offices-staffers-ushered-off-premises/1100-6106088/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the closures, as of March 31, 2004, Acclaim employed 585 staff worldwide.<ref name="Business Journals" /> Acclaim announced on August 30 that they were to go ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/30/acclaim-to-file-for-bankruptcy|title=Acclaim to File for Bankruptcy - IGN|date=August 30, 2004|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128113151/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/30/acclaim-to-file-for-bankruptcy|url-status=live}}</ref> and filed for ] with the ] in ] on September 1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-bankruptcy-now-official/1100-6106290/|title=Acclaim bankruptcy now official|access-date=March 26, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113025016/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-bankruptcy-now-official/1100-6106290/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95197/Acclaim_Officially_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php|title = Acclaim Officially Files for Bankruptcy|date = September 2004|access-date = August 5, 2018|archive-date = October 18, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191018092452/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95197/Acclaim_Officially_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php|url-status = live}}</ref> A September 2005 complaint filed with the same court found founders Fischbach and Scorposki, as well as executives Rodney Cousens, Gerard F. Agoglia, Edmond P. Sanctis, Bernard Fischbach, James Scibelli, Robert H. Groman and Michael Tannen, accountable for the financial losses of Acclaim shortly before the bankruptcy filing, seeking {{US$|150 million|long=no}} in damages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/former-acclaim-boss-slammed-in-court-docs/1100-6132505/|title=Former Acclaim boss slammed in court docs|access-date=August 5, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507004712/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/former-acclaim-boss-slammed-in-court-docs/1100-6132505/|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Asset selling == == Asset selling ==
On October 1, 2004, Rod Cousens purchased the former Acclaim Studios Cheltenham and Acclaim Studios Manchester development studios and some of its existing unfinished projects. Cousens attempted to reopen the studios under a new publisher tentatively entitled "Exclaim" on October 11<ref>{{Cite news |date=2004-10-14 |title=Acclaim studios' future unclear as Exclaim deal stalls |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news141004exclaim |access-date=2024-05-15 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> but was stalled following a lawsuit and legal wrangling over Acclaim's ], with both the US and UK administrators claiming rights.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exclaim Assoc. Ltd. v Nygate |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2005/2005-52106.html |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Justia Law |language=en}}</ref> On October 1, 2004, Rod Cousens acquired the former Acclaim Studios Cheltenham and Acclaim Studios Manchester development studios, along with several of its unfinished projects. Cousens sought to reopen the studios under a new publisher provisionally named "Exclaim" on October 11,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2004-10-14 |title=Acclaim studios' future unclear as Exclaim deal stalls |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news141004exclaim |access-date=2024-05-15 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007074328/https://www.eurogamer.net/news141004exclaim |url-status=live }}</ref> but his efforts were hindered by a lawsuit and legal disputes over Acclaim's ], with both US and UK administrators asserting their claims.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exclaim Assoc. Ltd. v Nygate |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2005/2005-52106.html |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Justia Law |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007074212/https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2005/2005-52106.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


After interested offers from ], on October 8 it was announced that ] had acquired worldwide publishing rights to ''Juiced''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=David |date=2004-10-08 |title=THQ Confirms Juiced |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/10/08/thq-confirms-juiced |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Following interested offers from ], it was announced on October 8 that ] had acquired the worldwide publishing rights to ''Juiced''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=David |date=2004-10-08 |title=THQ Confirms Juiced |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/10/08/thq-confirms-juiced |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501152726/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/10/08/thq-confirms-juiced |url-status=live }}</ref>


In November 2004, Acclaim's headquarters were sold to Anthony Pistilli of Pistilli Realty Group for $6 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://libn.com/2004/11/26/acclaim-hq-in-contract-for-9-million/|title = Acclaim HQ in contract for $9 million|date = November 26, 2004|access-date = August 5, 2018|archive-date = January 28, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200128113147/https://libn.com/2004/11/26/acclaim-hq-in-contract-for-9-million/|url-status = live}}</ref> In November 2004, Acclaim's headquarters were sold to Anthony Pistilli of Pistilli Realty Group for $6 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://libn.com/2004/11/26/acclaim-hq-in-contract-for-9-million/|title = Acclaim HQ in contract for $9 million|date = November 26, 2004|access-date = August 5, 2018|archive-date = January 28, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200128113147/https://libn.com/2004/11/26/acclaim-hq-in-contract-for-9-million/|url-status = live}}</ref>


On April 20, 2005, it was announced by Fund4Games that Acclaim's upcoming European titles had been sold to them, with ''Interview with a Made Man'' and ''ATV Quad Power Racing 3'' being put back into development at the Manchester studios, which were reopened by Fund4Games under the name Silverback Studios.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |date=2005-04-20 |title=Acclaim Titles Rise from the Dead |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/20/acclaim-titles-rise-from-the-dead |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> In June 2006, ] announced they had picked up the publishing rights to ''Made Man'' in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2006-06-22 |title=Made Man Made in Europe |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/22/made-man-made-in-europe |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> On April 20, 2005, Fund4Games announced that Acclaim's upcoming European titles had been sold to them, with ''Interview with a Made Man'' and ''ATV Quad Power Racing 3'' being returned to development at the Manchester studios, which were reopened by Fund4Games under the name Silverback Studios.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |date=2005-04-20 |title=Acclaim Titles Rise from the Dead |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/20/acclaim-titles-rise-from-the-dead |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007074212/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/20/acclaim-titles-rise-from-the-dead |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2006, ] announced that it had acquired the publishing rights to ''Made Man'' in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2006-06-22 |title=Made Man Made in Europe |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/22/made-man-made-in-europe |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501154440/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/22/made-man-made-in-europe |url-status=live }}</ref>


The ''Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX'' and ''ATV: Quad Power Racing'' franchises were sold to ] in July 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acclaim to be resurrected? |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-to-be-resurrected/1100-6129466/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> The ''Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX'' and ''ATV: Quad Power Racing'' franchises were sold to ] in July 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acclaim to be resurrected? |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-to-be-resurrected/1100-6129466/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007074213/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/acclaim-to-be-resurrected/1100-6129466/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In August 2005, former Activision executive Howard Marks purchased the Acclaim brand and logo for a reported $100,000. In the beginning of 2006, Marks formed a new company called ]. According to a job listing for the company, Acclaim Games was aimed at the US and UK preteen multiplayer markets. However, the second iteration of Acclaim did not go well due to connectivity and payment issues for their online games, along with a lack of action against dishonest players, earning that iteration of the company an "F" grade from the Los Angeles/Southern California ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Acclaim-Games-Incorporated-100058529 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904182359/http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Acclaim-Games-Incorporated-100058529 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |title=Acclaim Games Incorporated Business Review in Beverly Hills, CA |publisher=La.bbb.org |access-date=December 19, 2012 }}</ref> In August 2005, former Activision executive Howard Marks acquired the Acclaim brand and logo for a reported $100,000. At the beginning of 2006, Marks established a new company named ]. According to a job listing for the company, Acclaim Games targeted the US and UK preteen multiplayer markets. However, the second iteration of Acclaim struggled due to connectivity and payment issues for their online games, as well as a lack of action against dishonest players, earning this iteration an "F" grade from the Los Angeles/Southern California ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Acclaim-Games-Incorporated-100058529 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904182359/http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Acclaim-Games-Incorporated-100058529 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |title=Acclaim Games Incorporated Business Review in Beverly Hills, CA |publisher=La.bbb.org |access-date=December 19, 2012 }}</ref>


In 2006, ] purchased more than 50 of Acclaim's games, and vowed to bring such titles as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and many other franchises into the next generation and beyond.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-throwback-ceo-thomas-maduri/1100-6153738/ |title=Q&A: Throwback CEO Thomas Maduri |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |website=] |date=July 10, 2006 |access-date=April 25, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205163538/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6153738.html |archive-date=December 5, 2008}}</ref> In 2006, ] acquired more than 50 of Acclaim's games and committed to bringing titles such as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and many other franchises into the next generation and beyond.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-throwback-ceo-thomas-maduri/1100-6153738/ |title=Q&A: Throwback CEO Thomas Maduri |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |website=] |date=July 10, 2006 |access-date=April 25, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205163538/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6153738.html |archive-date=December 5, 2008}}</ref>


In March 2007, budget publisher ] picked up publishing rights to '']'', with ] handling European distribution.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burman |first=Rob |date=2007-03-05 |title=Take-Two Bringing The Red Star to UK |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/05/take-two-bringing-the-red-star-to-uk |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> In April 2007, ], the North American distributor for ]' products at the time, announced that the British publisher had picked up the rights to ''Emergency Mayhem''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Emergency Mayhem resuscitated for Wii |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/emergency-mayhem-resuscitated-for-wii/1100-6170742/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2007, budget publisher ] acquired the publishing rights to '']'', with ] managing European distribution.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burman |first=Rob |date=2007-03-05 |title=Take-Two Bringing The Red Star to UK |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/05/take-two-bringing-the-red-star-to-uk |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501154440/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/05/take-two-bringing-the-red-star-to-uk |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2007, ], then the North American distributor for ]' products, announced that the British publisher had acquired the rights to ''Emergency Mayhem''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Emergency Mayhem resuscitated for Wii |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/emergency-mayhem-resuscitated-for-wii/1100-6170742/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>


In July 2010, South Korean based company We Go Interactive purchased ''Re-Volt'', ''RC Revenge'', and ''RC De Go!'' (developed and owned by ]) from Throwback.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://throwbackentertainment.com/throwback-sells-re-volt/ |title=Throwback sells Re-Volt |date=2011-02-23 |access-date=2013-07-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204132/http://throwbackentertainment.com/?p=327 |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref> In July 2010, the South Korean-based company We Go Interactive acquired ''Re-Volt'', ''RC Revenge'', and ''RC De Go!'' (developed and owned by ]) from Throwback.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://throwbackentertainment.com/throwback-sells-re-volt/ |title=Throwback sells Re-Volt |date=2011-02-23 |access-date=2013-07-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204132/http://throwbackentertainment.com/?p=327 |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref>


In May 2016, the Acclaim brand itself, and not any of the IP previously held by Acclaim, was acquired by Collectorvision, an independent game developer, publisher and manufacturer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.facebook.com/Collectorvision/posts/629376853892171 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/266908806805646/629376853892171 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=CollectorVision has acquired the trademarks and trade names for both Acclaim and Exidy. |website=] |date=2016-05-09 |access-date=2021-10-30 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In May 2016, the Acclaim brand itself—distinct from any of the intellectual property previously held by Acclaim—was acquired by Collectorvision, an independent game developer, publisher, and manufacturer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.facebook.com/Collectorvision/posts/629376853892171 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/266908806805646/629376853892171 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=CollectorVision has acquired the trademarks and trade names for both Acclaim and Exidy. |website=] |date=2016-05-09 |access-date=2021-10-30 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


In October 2018, Liquid Media Group purchased 65 ex-Acclaim titles from Throwback for $1 million. This mainly consisted of installments in the ''NBA Jam'', ''AFL Live'', ''All-Star Baseball'' and ''NFL Quarterback Club'' franchises, as well as games from Japanese developer ] that Acclaim had published outside of Japan.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/10/liquid_media_acquires_acclaim_entertainment_video_game_properties |website= ] |first= Liam |last= Doolan| title=Liquid Media Acquires Acclaim Entertainment Video Game Properties |date= 2018-10-02|access-date=2024-03-30}}</ref> In October 2018, Liquid Media Group purchased 65 former Acclaim titles from Throwback for $1 million. This acquisition primarily included installments in the ''NBA Jam'', ''AFL Live'', ''All-Star Baseball'', and ''NFL Quarterback Club'' franchises, as well as games from Japanese developer ] that Acclaim had published outside of Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/10/liquid_media_acquires_acclaim_entertainment_video_game_properties |website= ] |first= Liam |last= Doolan |title= Liquid Media Acquires Acclaim Entertainment Video Game Properties |date= 2018-10-02 |access-date= 2024-03-30 |archive-date= March 31, 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240331144423/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/10/liquid_media_acquires_acclaim_entertainment_video_game_properties |url-status= live }}</ref>


== Controversies == == Controversies ==
During Acclaim's decline towards bankruptcy, the company made several controversial business and marketing decisions in the United Kingdom. One example was a promise that a US$10,000 (£6000) prize would be awarded to UK parents who would name their baby "Turok", to promote the release of '']''.<ref name="Tombstone"/> A later investigation by '']'' found that all those who had reportedly changed their names were actors.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-24|title=Hunting down the people who legally changed their names to Turok|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/06/24/change-name-to-turok/|access-date=2020-06-25|website=VG247|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624080956/https://www.vg247.com/2020/06/24/change-name-to-turok/|url-status=live}}</ref> Another was an attempt to buy advertising space on tombstones for '']''.<ref name="Tombstone">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/turok-maker-plays-the-name-game/ |title='Turok' maker plays the name game |website=CNET |date=August 27, 2002 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108001011/http://news.cnet.com/Turok-maker-plays-the-name-game/2100-1040_3-955594.html |archive-date=November 8, 2012}}</ref> To promote '']'', Acclaim offered to reimburse any driver in the United Kingdom who received a speeding ticket. Following a negative reaction to this from the UK government, the plan was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |last=Becker |first=Erich |date=14 January 2003 |url=http://entertainmentopia.com/scripts/displayGame.php?id=13 |title=Burnout 2: Point of Impact (2002) |publisher=Entertainmentopia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116060055/http://www.entertainmentopia.com/scripts/displayGame.php?id=13 |archive-date=16 November 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=10 September 2014}}</ref> During Acclaim's decline towards bankruptcy, the company made several controversial business and marketing decisions in the United Kingdom. One notable example was a promise to award a US$10,000 (£6,000) prize to UK parents who named their baby "Turok" to promote the release of '']''.<ref name="Tombstone"/> A subsequent investigation by '']'' revealed that all those who had reportedly changed their names were actors.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-24|title=Hunting down the people who legally changed their names to Turok|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/06/24/change-name-to-turok/|access-date=2020-06-25|website=VG247|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624080956/https://www.vg247.com/2020/06/24/change-name-to-turok/|url-status=live}}</ref> Another controversial initiative involved an attempt to purchase advertising space on tombstones for '']''.<ref name="Tombstone">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/turok-maker-plays-the-name-game/ |title='Turok' maker plays the name game |website=CNET |date=August 27, 2002 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108001011/http://news.cnet.com/Turok-maker-plays-the-name-game/2100-1040_3-955594.html |archive-date=November 8, 2012}}</ref> To promote '']'', Acclaim offered to reimburse any driver in the United Kingdom who received a speeding ticket. However, following negative reactions from the UK government, the plan was ultimately canceled.<ref>{{cite web |last=Becker |first=Erich |date=14 January 2003 |url=http://entertainmentopia.com/scripts/displayGame.php?id=13 |title=Burnout 2: Point of Impact (2002) |publisher=Entertainmentopia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116060055/http://www.entertainmentopia.com/scripts/displayGame.php?id=13 |archive-date=16 November 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=10 September 2014}}</ref>


In the US, Acclaim suffered multiple ]s, a portion of them with former partners. ] sued over unpaid royalties.<ref name="Olsen Twins">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-apr-27-fi-rup27.5-story.html |title=Olsen Twins Sue Acclaim Over Royalties |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 12, 2012 |date=April 27, 2004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125065319/http://articles.latimes.com/2004/apr/27/business/fi-rup27.5 |archive-date=January 25, 2012}}</ref> Another lawsuit was from Acclaim's own investors, claiming that Acclaim management had published misleading financial reports.<ref name="Shareholders"/> In the United States, Acclaim faced multiple ]s, several of which involved former partners. ] sued over unpaid royalties.<ref name="Olsen Twins">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-apr-27-fi-rup27.5-story.html |title=Olsen Twins Sue Acclaim Over Royalties |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 12, 2012 |date=April 27, 2004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125065319/http://articles.latimes.com/2004/apr/27/business/fi-rup27.5 |archive-date=January 25, 2012}}</ref> Another lawsuit was brought by Acclaim's own investors, who claimed that Acclaim management had published misleading financial reports.<ref name="Shareholders"/>


In the last iteration of the BMX series, '']'', nudity and semi-nudity (e.g., ] of strippers and nude female riders) was added in hopes of boosting sales.<ref name="Shareholders">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/23/nyregion/li-work.html |title=L.I.@WORK |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 23, 2003 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508213129/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/23/nyregion/li-work.html |archive-date=May 8, 2013}}</ref> However, like most of Acclaim's video games during the company's final years, ''BMX XXX'' sold poorly, and was derided for its sexual content and poor gameplay. ] himself publicly disowned the game, stating that he was not involved in the decision to include nudity, and he sued Acclaim for fear of being associated with ''BMX XXX''.<ref name="Dave Mirra">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/02/nyregion/li-work.html |title=L.I.@WORK |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 3, 2003 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509013912/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/02/nyregion/li-work.html |archive-date=May 9, 2013}}</ref> In the final iteration of the BMX series, '']'', nudity and semi-nudity (including ] of strippers and nude female riders) were incorporated in an attempt to boost sales.<ref name="Shareholders">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/23/nyregion/li-work.html |title=L.I.@WORK |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 23, 2003 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508213129/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/23/nyregion/li-work.html |archive-date=May 8, 2013}}</ref> However, like most of Acclaim's video games during the company's final years, ''BMX XXX'' sold poorly and was criticized for its sexual content and subpar gameplay. ] publicly disowned the game, stating that he had no involvement in the decision to include nudity, and he subsequently sued Acclaim out of concern for being associated with ''BMX XXX''.<ref name="Dave Mirra">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/02/nyregion/li-work.html |title=L.I.@WORK |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 3, 2003 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509013912/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/02/nyregion/li-work.html |archive-date=May 9, 2013}}</ref>


In 1997, two years after its acquisition of ], during which it offered employees what looked like iron-clad contracts and stock that would be vested over the course of the contracts, Acclaim terminated about half of the staff of the Salt Lake City studio, violating its own contract terms. The lay-off came abruptly to the point that the employees had to choose between taking a reasonable severance package (whose terms altered several times during the initial weeks after the layoff) and not suing, or join the other creditors and sue, but lose their severance packages. In 2007, one of numerous class action suits filed on behalf of stockholders was won, allowing some of the employees to realize a return on some of the stock that had been vested.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cases.gcginc.com/pdf/ACE/ACENotice.pdf |title=In re Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. Securities Litigation |website=Collectorvision |access-date=May 28, 2017 |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709014911/http://cases.gcginc.com/pdf/ACE/ACENotice.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1997, two years after its acquisition of ], Acclaim terminated approximately half of the staff at the Salt Lake City studio, violating the terms of the contracts it had provided to employees, which appeared to be iron-clad and included stock that would vest over the contract period. The layoffs were abrupt, forcing employees to choose between accepting a reasonable severance package (the terms of which changed multiple times during the initial weeks after the layoff) and foregoing the right to sue, or joining other creditors in litigation, thereby losing their severance packages. In 2007, one of several class action suits filed on behalf of stockholders was won, enabling some employees to recover a portion of the stock that had vested.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cases.gcginc.com/pdf/ACE/ACENotice.pdf |title=In re Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. Securities Litigation |website=Collectorvision |access-date=May 28, 2017 |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709014911/http://cases.gcginc.com/pdf/ACE/ACENotice.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Subsidiaries == == Subsidiaries ==

Latest revision as of 03:17, 20 December 2024

American video game publisher This article is about the original video game publisher. For its successor, the free online games website, see Acclaim Games.

Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
Company typePublic
Traded asNasdaq: AKLM (pre-2004)
OTC Pink: AKLMQ (2004)
IndustryVideo games
Founded1987; 37 years ago (1987) in Oyster Bay, New York, U.S.
Founders
DefunctSeptember 1, 2004; 20 years ago (2004-09-01)
FateChapter 7 bankruptcy
HeadquartersGlen Cove, New York, U.S.
Area servedWorldwide
Key people
  • Rodney Cousens (CEO)
  • Gerard Agoglia (CFO)
Products
BrandsAKA Acclaim (formerly Acclaim Max Sports)
Club Acclaim
Acclaim Sports
Number of employees585 (2004)
SubsidiariesSee § Subsidiaries
Websitewww.acclaim.com Edit this on Wikidata

Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. was an American video game publisher based in Glen Cove, New York. Originally founded by Greg Fischbach, Robert Holmes, and Jim Scoroposki from a storefront in Oyster Bay in 1987, the company built a global development team through a series of acquisitions during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Following disappointing financial results in their 2003 fiscal year, Acclaim filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in September 2004. The properties owned by Acclaim were subsequently auctioned off to various parties.

History

1987–1990: Founding

In the early 1980s, Greg Fischbach was employed by the American video game company Activision, where he worked alongside Robert Holmes and Jim Scoroposki. After leaving Activision, he joined RCA Records, which was subsequently acquired by Bertelsmann, leaving Fischbach unemployed. In 1987, he met with Scoroposki in Oyster Bay, where Scoroposki owned a sales rep company, to discuss a potential joint venture. After Scoroposki suggested that they re-enter the video game industry, they contacted Holmes to join them, and the three co-founded Acclaim Entertainment. Acclaim did not secure any venture financing and was entirely financed by Fischbach and Scoroposki. In its early years, Acclaim operated exclusively as a video game publisher, either outsourcing the development of its video games to external developers or localizing existing titles from overseas. However, as the company expanded, it acquired several independent studios, including Iguana Entertainment of Austin, Texas; Probe Entertainment of London, England; and Sculptured Software of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The company's name was chosen to ensure it was alphabetically positioned above its co-founder's former employer, Activision, as well as above Accolade, another company established by former Activision employees. This naming convention was a common practice among new companies founded by ex-Activision employees, as the founders of Activision had similarly adopted this strategy when they left Atari.

Many of Acclaim's products featured licenses from popular comics, television series, and movies. Fischbach noted that during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the video game market was less discerning, with specialized gaming publications exerting minimal influence on consumer opinion. Consequently, leveraging a popular license became one of the few reliable strategies to persuade retailers to stock a game. In its early years, the company entered into an agreement with Interactive VCR Games Inc., whose bestsellers included NFL Quarterback, to produce interactive VCR games, as well as expand into the handheld game market. Acclaim was also responsible for porting many of Midway's arcade games in the early to mid-1990s, including the Mortal Kombat series. Additionally, they published several games from companies that, at the time of publication, did not have an American branch, such as Technōs Japan's Double Dragon II: The Revenge and Taito's Bust-a-Move series.

1990–2004: Success

In 1990, Acclaim partnered with TV producer Saban Entertainment and distributor Bohbot Entertainment to launch Video Power, which subsequently premiered in the fall of 1990.

In December 1993, Acclaim signed a distribution deal with the European Spanish branch of Buena Vista Home Video, allowing the company to distribute its titles in Spain.

In May 1994, Tom Petit, former president of Sega Enterprises USA, who had worked at Sega for nine years, became the president of Acclaim's coin-op division.

Throughout much of the 1990s, Acclaim was one of the most successful publishers of console video games in the world. In the financial year ending August 1994, the company reported a profit of $481 million, which rose to $585 million the following year. Franchises such as Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and NFL Quarterback Club served as reliable cash cows for Acclaim. Acclaim's expansion continued with the signing of a relationship with Marvel Entertainment Group, wherein Acclaim managed the video game licenses for some of Marvel's comic book properties. Later that year, the company acquired a minority interest in the FMV gaming studio Digital Pictures and began releasing its titles through Acclaim Distribution.

In 1995, the company acquired Sculptured Software, Iguana Entertainment, and Probe Entertainment, with these entities transitioning to the first-party development studio known as Acclaim Studios from 1999 to 2004. Acclaim's gaming business further expanded with the acquisition of exclusive rights to publish Taito's games in the Western Hemisphere. The company also constructed a motion capture studio at its headquarters, making it the first video game company to have an in-house motion capture facility.

A less prominent aspect of Acclaim's business was the development and publication of strategy guides related to their software products, along with the issuance of "special edition" comic magazines via Acclaim Comics to support their more lucrative brand names. Additionally, they created the ASF/AMC motion capture format, which remains in use in the industry today.

Acclaim enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) that dates back to 1988's WWF WrestleMania. However, after failing to replicate the success of World Championship Wrestling (WCW)'s THQ/AKI games during the Monday Night Wars, the WWF announced in April 1998 that it would not renew its deal with Acclaim, opting instead to sign a joint-publishing agreement with Jakks Pacific and THQ after WCW's contract with the latter publisher expired and signed a deal with rival Electronic Arts.

In October 1999, Acclaim signed a contract with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) to publish video games based on the promotion. Under this agreement, Acclaim released two video games until ECW declared bankruptcy in 2001, leaving the promotion still owing Acclaim money. The game publisher subsequently released three wrestling titles under the Legends of Wrestling banner during its final years.

2004: Decline and bankruptcy

Acclaim faced significant financial difficulties in 2004, primarily due to poor sales of its video game titles. This situation led to the closure of Acclaim Studios Cheltenham and Acclaim Studios Manchester in England, along with other locations, and resulted in their filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, leaving many employees unpaid. Among the titles under development at the UK studios were Emergency Mayhem, ATV Quad Power Racing 3, The Last Job, Interview with a Made Man, and Kung Faux.

In May 2004, it was announced that Major League Baseball had revoked its licensing agreement with Acclaim for the All-Star Baseball franchise due to a failure to make royalty payments. The following month, in June, Turok owners Classic Media announced that they had terminated Acclaim's video game rights to the franchise, also due to non-payment of royalties.

When Acclaim's agreement with GMAC Commercial Finance, their primary lender, expired on August 20, 2004, the company closed all of its facilities on August 27. This closure resulted in the termination of all employees at the Austin and New York studios. Prior to the closures, Acclaim employed 585 staff worldwide as of March 31, 2004. On August 30, Acclaim announced its intention to file for bankruptcy, officially filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy with the United States bankruptcy court in Central Islip, New York on September 1.

In September 2005, a complaint filed in the same court sought to hold the company's founders, including Fischbach and Scorposki, and several executives accountable for Acclaim's financial losses shortly before the bankruptcy filing, seeking $150 million in damages.

Asset selling

On October 1, 2004, Rod Cousens acquired the former Acclaim Studios Cheltenham and Acclaim Studios Manchester development studios, along with several of its unfinished projects. Cousens sought to reopen the studios under a new publisher provisionally named "Exclaim" on October 11, but his efforts were hindered by a lawsuit and legal disputes over Acclaim's intellectual property, with both US and UK administrators asserting their claims.

Following interested offers from Take Two Interactive, it was announced on October 8 that THQ had acquired the worldwide publishing rights to Juiced.

In November 2004, Acclaim's headquarters were sold to Anthony Pistilli of Pistilli Realty Group for $6 million.

On April 20, 2005, Fund4Games announced that Acclaim's upcoming European titles had been sold to them, with Interview with a Made Man and ATV Quad Power Racing 3 being returned to development at the Manchester studios, which were reopened by Fund4Games under the name Silverback Studios. In June 2006, Mastertronic announced that it had acquired the publishing rights to Made Man in Europe.

The Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX and ATV: Quad Power Racing franchises were sold to Crave Entertainment in July 2005.

In August 2005, former Activision executive Howard Marks acquired the Acclaim brand and logo for a reported $100,000. At the beginning of 2006, Marks established a new company named Acclaim Games. According to a job listing for the company, Acclaim Games targeted the US and UK preteen multiplayer markets. However, the second iteration of Acclaim struggled due to connectivity and payment issues for their online games, as well as a lack of action against dishonest players, earning this iteration an "F" grade from the Los Angeles/Southern California Better Business Bureau.

In 2006, Throwback Entertainment acquired more than 50 of Acclaim's games and committed to bringing titles such as Re-Volt, Extreme-G, Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance, Vexx, Fur Fighters, and many other franchises into the next generation and beyond.

In March 2007, budget publisher XS Games acquired the publishing rights to The Red Star, with Take-Two Interactive managing European distribution. In April 2007, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, then the North American distributor for Codemasters' products, announced that the British publisher had acquired the rights to Emergency Mayhem.

In July 2010, the South Korean-based company We Go Interactive acquired Re-Volt, RC Revenge, and RC De Go! (developed and owned by Taito) from Throwback.

In May 2016, the Acclaim brand itself—distinct from any of the intellectual property previously held by Acclaim—was acquired by Collectorvision, an independent game developer, publisher, and manufacturer.

In October 2018, Liquid Media Group purchased 65 former Acclaim titles from Throwback for $1 million. This acquisition primarily included installments in the NBA Jam, AFL Live, All-Star Baseball, and NFL Quarterback Club franchises, as well as games from Japanese developer Taito that Acclaim had published outside of Japan.

Controversies

During Acclaim's decline towards bankruptcy, the company made several controversial business and marketing decisions in the United Kingdom. One notable example was a promise to award a US$10,000 (£6,000) prize to UK parents who named their baby "Turok" to promote the release of Turok: Evolution. A subsequent investigation by VG247 revealed that all those who had reportedly changed their names were actors. Another controversial initiative involved an attempt to purchase advertising space on tombstones for Shadow Man: 2econd Coming. To promote Burnout 2: Point of Impact, Acclaim offered to reimburse any driver in the United Kingdom who received a speeding ticket. However, following negative reactions from the UK government, the plan was ultimately canceled.

In the United States, Acclaim faced multiple lawsuits, several of which involved former partners. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen sued over unpaid royalties. Another lawsuit was brought by Acclaim's own investors, who claimed that Acclaim management had published misleading financial reports.

In the final iteration of the BMX series, BMX XXX, nudity and semi-nudity (including full motion video of strippers and nude female riders) were incorporated in an attempt to boost sales. However, like most of Acclaim's video games during the company's final years, BMX XXX sold poorly and was criticized for its sexual content and subpar gameplay. Dave Mirra publicly disowned the game, stating that he had no involvement in the decision to include nudity, and he subsequently sued Acclaim out of concern for being associated with BMX XXX.

In 1997, two years after its acquisition of Sculptured Software, Acclaim terminated approximately half of the staff at the Salt Lake City studio, violating the terms of the contracts it had provided to employees, which appeared to be iron-clad and included stock that would vest over the contract period. The layoffs were abrupt, forcing employees to choose between accepting a reasonable severance package (the terms of which changed multiple times during the initial weeks after the layoff) and foregoing the right to sue, or joining other creditors in litigation, thereby losing their severance packages. In 2007, one of several class action suits filed on behalf of stockholders was won, enabling some employees to recover a portion of the stock that had vested.

Subsidiaries

Main article: List of Acclaim Entertainment subsidiaries

Games published

Main article: List of Acclaim Entertainment games

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External links

Iguana Entertainment / Acclaim Studios Austin
Aero the Acro-Bat
All-Star Baseball
NBA Jam
NFL Quarterback Club
South Park
Turok
Single games
Related articles
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