The Acclaim saga: Cousens to see funding?
Studios salvaged and software to market – The giant climbs to its knees
MCV is today reporting that Rod Cousens has secured financial backing to drag what remains of Acclaim in the UK back into feasibility, with studios in Manchester and Cheltenham to see a refreshed lease of life.
“Rod Cousens, former global boss of the collapsed US giant, and LA-based Europlay Capital Advisers LLC have acquired the studios in Cheltenham and Manchester. Assets picked up include four games, notably the hot prospects Interview With A Made Man and Heist, plus certain back-catalogue and IP,” states MCV.
“Around 160 staff worked at Cheltenham and Manchester, with the new company hopeful that the majority will be re-employed. The business will operate as a new company, with a new name, managed by Rod Cousens and a team also including former Acclaim head of publishing Barry Jafrato.”
Although this is great news for the former Acclaim Studios, SPOnG wouldn’t be the first to point out that Cousens and Jafrato oversaw the protracted demise of Acclaim following a round of heavy investment.
As to how things will be managed differently in the coming phase remains to be seen.
“Rod Cousens, former global boss of the collapsed US giant, and LA-based Europlay Capital Advisers LLC have acquired the studios in Cheltenham and Manchester. Assets picked up include four games, notably the hot prospects Interview With A Made Man and Heist, plus certain back-catalogue and IP,” states MCV.
“Around 160 staff worked at Cheltenham and Manchester, with the new company hopeful that the majority will be re-employed. The business will operate as a new company, with a new name, managed by Rod Cousens and a team also including former Acclaim head of publishing Barry Jafrato.”
Although this is great news for the former Acclaim Studios, SPOnG wouldn’t be the first to point out that Cousens and Jafrato oversaw the protracted demise of Acclaim following a round of heavy investment.
As to how things will be managed differently in the coming phase remains to be seen.
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Comments
Joji 30 Sep 2004 17:23
1/5
Well Mr.Cousens just remember this day each time you listen to the song Big Yellow Taxi. To be back on your feet is something of a gift very few companies get. I hope you will use this oppurtunity to use your skill and give us some decent games.
ShoeBootie 30 Sep 2004 17:43
2/5
I spent 9 years at Acclaim, and was not there in the last several years.
Rod was a gentleman, who I believe was not given the opportunity to be anything more than Fischbach's mini-me. Greg never stepped down, he was doing the CEO job until the end.
Rod and Jafrato are good people and I believe they have a fighting chance to make something of that studio. As long as they have nothing to do with Jimmy and Greg... things will be fine.
Rod was a gentleman, who I believe was not given the opportunity to be anything more than Fischbach's mini-me. Greg never stepped down, he was doing the CEO job until the end.
Rod and Jafrato are good people and I believe they have a fighting chance to make something of that studio. As long as they have nothing to do with Jimmy and Greg... things will be fine.
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Joji 1 Oct 2004 10:38
3/5
Sometimes a fall from grace can inspire you to bounce back with greater cause and more ideas. Hope this is the case with Acclaim. I hope we see some more new games as a result. Good luck Acclaim.
config 1 Oct 2004 15:22
4/5
ShoeBootie wrote:
Rod and Jafrato are good people and I believe they have a fighting chance to make something of that studio. As long as they have nothing to do with Jimmy and Greg... things will be fine.
Never met them, but from what other have told me I'd have to agree.
DoctorDee 1 Oct 2004 16:04
5/5
config wrote:
Never met them, but from what other have told me I'd have to agree.
I have, and I do. And I wish them all the best. But juiced is gonna have to rock to beat Burnout 3.