Acclaim UK Employees Form SilverBack, Revive Previous Project

Though Acclaim's UK studios perished along with the main body when the company filed for bankruptcy, recent news emerged that its members have received funding for their last projects. One of these development teams has now formed a new studio called SilverBack Studios, and is finishing up Interview With A Made Man. SilverBack Studios is led by Jon Oldham, and incorporates 15 other members of Acclaim's development division in Manchester. In addition to the software and IP, the team also has regained control over the physical equipment and hardware previously used on the project. Fund4Games, an investment company who funds individual games rather than companies in general, is providing full funding for the revitalized project, which is aiming for a 2006 release, though no publisher or distributor has yet picked up the game. "The support SilverBack has been given has been phenomenal and we are very optimistic about the future," said Oldham. "At a time when so many Northern-[UK] based developers are going to the wall, it makes a welcome change that some of the most talented programmers and artists the region has to offer get a chance to showcase their talents again."