Last March, we already told you about the big return of Acclaim, the iconic 90s publisher that defined a whole generation with Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and Turok. A few months later, the project is shifting into high gear: the brand has just announced its very first event, the Play Acclaim Showcase, scheduled for September 10, 2025.

A rebirth beyond nostalgia

Behind this new adventure is Alex Josef, former head of Graffiti Games, joined by industry veterans and unexpected investors such as former wrestler Jeff Jarrett. The stated ambition is clear: to revive the spirit of Acclaim without simply exploiting its glorious past.

Alex Josef speaks of retro-future-nostalgia, a concept that sums up their vision: drawing from the energy and chaos that made Acclaim unforgettable, while projecting them into a new era. The goal is to deliver brand-new experiences rather than just capitalizing on the old catalog.

The “Play Acclaim Showcase”

On September 10, 2025, YouTube will host this first major event. It promises to highlight the publisher’s new projects, with the promise of a few surprises.

A first 40-second teaser has already been released. It shows clips from iconic games such as Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, Double Dragon, and Alien Trilogy, projected onto old CRT screens. A staging that fully plays the 90s nostalgia card, while keeping fans guessing about what Acclaim is truly preparing.

Growing anticipation

The return of Acclaim is intriguing. Of course, there’s the symbolic impact of seeing this legendary name resurface after so many years, but also the curiosity to discover what it can bring to today’s gaming landscape. In a market where the retro wave shows no sign of slowing down, the arrival of a historic player like Acclaim naturally draws attention.

The question now is whether the promise of novelty will live up to expectations. This Play Acclaim Showcase will be the