French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing title, Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, combining Focus’s publishing expertise with Maverick’s vision for an open‑world racing experience.
The journey of Clutch began in 2024 when Maverick Games first struck a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios. At that time, the project was still under wraps, and the two parties were working together to shape what would become a bold new entry in the racing genre. However, Amazon later decided to end the partnership, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that more directly leverage the company’s unique strengths and scale.
This decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing home for its ambitious title. In the wake of Amazon’s departure, Maverick’s co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio has been actively seeking out partners who share its long‑term aspirations for the Clutch intellectual property. He indicated that discussions are ongoing with several interested parties and that further announcements are expected later in the year as those talks progress.
Focus Entertainment stepped into that role, announcing that it will publish Clutch and thereby expand its portfolio with its first foray into the open‑world racing segment. The publisher emphasized that the partnership is driven by a mutual ambition to craft a standout experience that can establish Clutch as a major new racing IP.
By adding an open‑world title to its slate, Focus aims to diversify its offerings and demonstrate its commitment to supporting innovative, genre‑defining projects. Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The game promises an expansive, seamless world where players can explore varied environments, compete in high‑octane races, and customize their vehicles to suit a range of driving styles. The open‑world design is intended to give players the freedom to discover hidden routes, participate in dynamic events, and engage with a living, breathing racing ecosystem. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, explained the company’s philosophy when selecting partners. He said, “At Focus, we look to partner with creators who are redefining their genre.
Mike Brown and his team are regarded as one of the defining creative voices in the racing genre, and Clutch embodies exactly the creative ambition Focus Entertainment wants to champion.” This endorsement underscores Focus’s confidence in Maverick’s leadership and its belief that the studio can deliver a fresh, compelling experience that resonates with both hardcore racing fans and newcomers alike. Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, echoed this sentiment. He stated, “We founded Maverick Games to build the open‑world racing experience we’d dreamed about for years.
Focus shares our creative bar and our ambition for Clutch, and we can’t wait for players everywhere to discover this world.” Brown’s vision for Clutch stems from his extensive background in the racing genre, having previously served as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series. His experience with that franchise informs the design philosophy behind Clutch, which aims to blend the thrill of high‑speed competition with the freedom of an open environment. Focus Entertainment itself is a French publishing house that operates under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment.
Pullup’s structure includes three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios such as Deck13, Streumon, Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This network provides a robust support system for developers, offering resources ranging from funding and marketing to technical assistance and distribution channels.
Maverick Games was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers. The studio’s formation was driven by a desire to push the boundaries of racing games beyond the traditional circuit‑based formats.
By focusing on an open‑world design, Maverick hopes to create a more immersive and varied experience that encourages exploration, personalization, and emergent gameplay. The team’s expertise, combined with Focus’s publishing muscle, positions Clutch to become a landmark title in the next generation of racing games. The partnership also reflects broader industry trends, where mid‑size studios are increasingly seeking publishing partners that can provide both financial backing and strategic guidance without compromising creative control.
For Focus, adding Clutch to its lineup signals a commitment to diversifying its catalog and supporting ambitious projects that may not fit the conventional blockbuster mold but have strong potential to capture niche audiences and generate long‑term franchise value. As development progresses, both Maverick and Focus have indicated that they will share regular updates, including gameplay reveals, developer diaries, and community engagement initiatives. This transparency aims to build hype and maintain a dialogue with fans, ensuring that the final product aligns with player expectations while also delivering surprises that keep the experience fresh.
In summary, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment brings together a seasoned racing game visionary and a publisher eager to expand into new territory. With a projected spring 2027 launch across the major console platforms and PC, Clutch is poised to offer an unprecedented blend of open‑world freedom and high‑speed racing thrills, potentially reshaping the genre for years to come.