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Press release:
LOS ANGELES, August 20, 2026 – Developer Rowand Edmondson and publisher Acclaim, Inc. today released Ground Zero Hero, a chaotic roguelike horde survival game with wild mutations and an eye-catching art style inspired by The Simpsons and Rick & Morty, on Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam.

Early adopters of this irradiated adventure will receive a 10% launch discount on consoles until August 27, while those who purchase Ground Zero Hero on Steam will save 15% through September 3rd, 2026.

In addition to oozing onto modern consoles and PC, Ground Zero Hero can be streamed today on Antstream Arcade and is available to purchase on the Polycade lineup of modular at-home and commercial arcade cabinets.

“I’ve spent three years doing everything from code to art to music, trying to make the best cheeseburger I possibly could,” said Ground Zero Hero creator Rowan Edmondson. “This isn’t about winning a Michelin star; it’s about cramming as much dopamine into some silly fun as I possibly could. If you like a little weird with your weird, then this is for you.”

“Ground Zero Hero is weird, loud, radioactive, and absolutely refuses to behave,” said Marc Anthony Rodriguez, Director of Publishing & Strategic Partnerships, Acclaim.

“It’s the kind of game that reminds you why games are supposed to be fun in the first place. That’s Acclaim territory.”

Featuring a vibrant hand-drawn art style inspired by The Simpsons and Rick & Morty, Ground Zero Hero invites players to channel their inner freak and explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland as they face off against massive hordes of marauding mutants. Pummel piñatas, crunch candy, and absorb the irradiated guts of monsters to unlock new mutations and become the ultimate mutant.

To celebrate Ground Zero Hero bursting out of the confines of the leaky 50-gallon drum that’s contained it since its announcement last year, Acclaim has released an all-new launch trailer. Watch as the game’s post-apocalyptic protagonist Radboy scours the wasteland in search of succulent candy, harvests the glowing guts of his enemies to enhance his repertoire of radioactive abilities, and confronts more marauding mutants than you can shake a Geiger counter at.

Players eager to get their freaky little tentacles on Ground Zero Hero before dipping their toes in the wasteland by trying the demo on Steam today. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can also get their freak on with a limited one-hour trial of the game.

Key Features:

UNLOCK an ever-growing list of powerful mutations and permanent upgrades
DISCOVER devastating combinations to craft your ultimate mutant
EXPLORE multiple wastelands, each with its own unique interactive elements
BATTLE to a dynamic soundtrack that changes with gameplay
SURVIVE the apocalypse by destroying piñatas for that sweet, sweet candy
GIVE BIRTH to a man in a chicken suit

Store Links:

Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2570580/Ground_Zero_Hero/

Purchase Ground Zero Hero on XBOX Play Anywhere: https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/ground-zero-hero/9nqcb8mgt9qd

Purchase Ground Zero Hero on PlayStation 5: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10019613

Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Switch 2 NOA: http://nintendo.com/us/store/products/ground-zero-hero-switch-2

Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Switch 2 NOE: https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-games/Ground-Zero-Hero-3152617.html

About Acclaim:

Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim established itself as a leading global developer, publisher, and mass marketer, bringing beloved franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam into homes worldwide. Today, Acclaim carries its legacy forward with an unwavering commitment to supporting talented indie developers and delivering high-quality, premium indie games to a global audience. Acclaim’s modern revival stands as a testament to the strength and enduring appeal of its iconic brand.