The new Acclaim has done something truly remarkable by achieving this success so quickly after starting from nothing just over a year ago. The new company was re-launched under the leadership of former Activision executive Howard Marks. Marks had a different vision for the online game industry and established a new business model offering Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMO’s) that players could download and play for free on their PC’s. Players just need to register for a free account, download the games online, install them on their PC, and play.
Instead of paying for the game and a monthly subscription fee, Acclaim’s games are totally free to download and play. That’s because all of Acclaim’s games are supported by in-game advertising and an item mall featuring optional items (such as clothing, weapons, accessories, etc.) to enhance the game experience. This innovative business model makes it easy for anyone to enjoy very high quality online games with their friends for free.
"I would like to thank all of our fans and players who have made this amazing milestone possible", said Howard Marks, CEO Acclaim Games Inc.
Presently, Acclaim has announced five online games.
- BOTS!! features transforming robot fighters battling viruses and each other in cyberspace (officially released November 2006).
- 9Dragons is a martial arts themed MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) set in ancient China where players train to become masters of kung fu (currently in Open Beta).
- 2Moons is a totally brutal MMORPG featuring lots of blood, an epic story, and extreme action, directed by video game industry superstar David Perry (Open Beta begins shortly).
- DANCE! Online is a multiplayer online dancing game where players perform cool dance steps by keeping in sync with the beat using a keyboard or dance pad (Open beta begins shortly).
Acclaim has also announced the Top Secret project directed by David Perry, where players are given a chance to participate in the development of an actual MMO title that Acclaim will publish with a winner who will be given a fully funded title to direct on their own.