French publisher Focus Entertainment has announced a new publishing partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing project, titled Clutch, to market. This collaboration marks a significant step for both companies: Focus expands its catalogue with a first‑ever entry into the open‑world racing genre, while Maverick secures a seasoned publishing partner after an earlier arrangement with Amazon Game Studios fell through.
In early 2024 Maverick Games entered into a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the game that was at that time still under wraps. However, Amazon chose to terminate the contract earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward projects that better exploit the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
The decision left Maverick searching for a new partner that could share its long‑term vision for the IP. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick Games, told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio is now "in active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP and look forward to sharing more later this year." This statement underscored Maverick’s commitment to finding a publishing home that aligns with its creative goals and the broader aspirations for Clutch. Focus Entertainment’s publishing arm welcomed the opportunity, stating that adding Clutch to its portfolio will "strengthen [its] portfolio with its first entry into the open‑world racing space, driven by a shared ambition to deliver a standout experience and establish Clutch as a major new racing IP." The French publisher sees the title as a chance to diversify its offerings and to demonstrate its willingness to back innovative, genre‑defining projects. Clutch is slated for a spring 2027 release on the current generation of consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC.
The game promises an expansive open‑world environment that blends high‑octane street racing with a richly detailed urban landscape, offering players a level of freedom and immersion rarely seen in the racing genre. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership, saying, "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 highlights the publisher’s confidence in Maverick’s creative leadership and its belief that Clutch can set new standards for open‑world racing experiences.
Maverick’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, echoed the sentiment, adding, "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 remarks reflect a deep personal investment in the project; he and his team have been cultivating the concept for several years, aiming to deliver a game that marries realistic vehicle dynamics with a living, breathing cityscape.
Focus Entertainment itself is a French publishing house operating under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment. Pullup’s structure comprises three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios that include Deck13, Streumon, Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This network provides a robust ecosystem of resources, from marketing expertise to technical support, that can help Maverick bring Clutch to a global audience. The origins of Maverick Games trace back to 2023, when a group of former Playground Games developers decided to strike out on their own.
The team’s pedigree includes notable work on the Forza Horizon series, where Mike Brown served as creative director. This background gives Maverick a strong foundation in creating expansive, visually stunning racing environments, and it positions the studio to push the boundaries of what an open‑world racing game can achieve. Beyond the immediate partnership, the collaboration between Maverick and Focus signals a broader trend in the industry: mid‑size developers seeking publishing partners that can provide both financial backing and strategic guidance without imposing restrictive creative controls. By aligning with Focus, Maverick gains access to a publisher that values artistic ambition and is willing to invest in long‑term brand building.
From a market perspective, the release window in spring 2027 is strategically chosen. It avoids the crowded holiday season and gives the development team ample time to refine the game’s mechanics, polish its world, and incorporate community feedback from early testing phases. The multi‑platform launch also ensures that the title can reach a wide demographic, from console enthusiasts to PC gamers who often seek high‑performance racing simulations. In summary, the partnership between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a convergence of shared vision, complementary strengths, and a mutual desire to create a landmark racing IP.
With a seasoned publishing partner, a seasoned development team, and a clear roadmap toward a 2027 launch, Clutch is poised to become a defining entry in the open‑world racing genre, offering players an unprecedented blend of speed, freedom, and immersive world‑building.