In a flurry of activity that dramatically improves both its in-house development capability and access to content, Acclaim Entertainment is acquiring two prominent independent software developers and has signed a deal with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to jointly publish software based on Warner’s movies.
Acclaim’s agreements to acquire London-based Probe Entertainment and Sculptured Software, headquartered in Salt Lake City, can be viewed as a coup for the Glen Cove, N.Y. software publisher for two reasons: Not only does it dramatically increase Acclaim’s in-house development capability, it will prevent two of the industry’s leading developers from creating titles for Acclaim competitors.
Probe and Sculptured Software have developed hit titles, such as Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II and Batman Forever, for Acclaim, as well as FIFA Soccer, Return of the Jedi, NHL Stanley Cup Hockey and Mortal Kombat III for such other publishers as THQ/Electronic Arts, JVC/LucasArts, Nintendo and Williams. The deals give Acclaim access to the companies’ proprietary hardware and software development tools. The acquisition terms weren’t disclosed.
The agreement with Warner calls for three titles based on films currently under development. They are to be jointly developed, published and marketed, and are to be released for all video game platforms, PCs and arcades.
Acclaim says the deal “solidifies an expansion of the existing relationship,” which already includes licensing and distribution of several Warner properties.
Acclaim Agrees To Acquisition Of 2 Developers
By James K. Willcox
In a flurry of activity that dramatically improves both its in-house development capability and access to content, Acclaim Entertainment is acquiring two prominent independent software developers and has signed a deal with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to jointly publish software based on Warner’s movies.
Acclaim’s agreements to acquire London-based Probe Entertainment and Sculptured Software, headquartered in Salt Lake City, can be viewed as a coup for the Glen Cove, N.Y. software publisher for two reasons: Not only does it dramatically increase Acclaim’s in-house development capability, it will prevent two of the industry’s leading developers from creating titles for Acclaim competitors.
Probe and Sculptured Software have developed hit titles, such as Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II and Batman Forever, for Acclaim, as well as FIFA Soccer, Return of the Jedi, NHL Stanley Cup Hockey and Mortal Kombat III for such other publishers as THQ/Electronic Arts, JVC/LucasArts, Nintendo and Williams. The deals give Acclaim access to the companies’ proprietary hardware and software development tools. The acquisition terms weren’t disclosed.
The agreement with Warner calls for three titles based on films currently under development. They are to be jointly developed, published and marketed, and are to be released for all video game platforms, PCs and arcades.
Acclaim says the deal “solidifies an expansion of the existing relationship,” which already includes licensing and distribution of several Warner properties.
