French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a publishing partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing project, titled Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies: Focus expands its catalogue with a first‑ever open‑world racing entry, while Maverick secures a seasoned partner to help launch its flagship intellectual property. The road to this agreement began in 2024, when Maverick Games initially signed a publishing contract with Amazon Game Studios for the same, at‑the‑time‑secret title. However, Amazon elected to dissolve the arrangement earlier in the year, citing a strategic shift toward projects that better exploit the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
This decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing home for its ambitious open‑world racer. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick Games, explained to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio has been "in active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP and look forward to sharing more later this year." The sentiment underscores Maverick’s commitment to finding a publisher whose vision aligns with the team’s aspirations for Clutch, a game that aims to redefine the racing genre through expansive, immersive environments and a high degree of player freedom.
Focus Entertainment’s publishing division welcomed the opportunity, stating that bringing Clutch to their 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, a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, sees the partnership as a chance to broaden its genre coverage and to support a project that promises to stand out in a crowded market. Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 on the current generation of consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC. The title promises an open‑world setting where players can explore vast, meticulously crafted landscapes while engaging in high‑octane races that blend realism with arcade‑style thrills. According to the developers, the game will feature a dynamic weather system, a living ecosystem of AI‑driven traffic, and a deep progression system that rewards both skillful driving and exploration.
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." Chataignier’s comments highlight the publisher’s strategy of aligning with studios that push the boundaries of established categories, and they reflect a belief that Clutch will serve as a benchmark for future open‑world racing experiences.
Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, added his perspective: "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 convey a clear vision: the game is intended not merely as a new entry in the racing library, but as a fully realized, living world where the act of racing is just one facet of a broader, interactive adventure. Maverick Games itself is a relatively new studio, established in 2023 by a group of former Playground Games developers. The team’s pedigree includes significant contributions to the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, where Brown previously served as creative director.
This background gives the studio a deep understanding of what makes open‑world racing compelling, from seamless world traversal to the integration of diverse vehicle classes and community‑driven events. Focus Entertainment, meanwhile, operates under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment, a larger media group that manages three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios.
Among these studios are Deck13, known for narrative‑driven action titles; Streumon, a specialist in multiplayer shooters; Twelve Tenths, an indie‑focused studio; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This diversified portfolio equips Focus with a breadth of experience across multiple genres, positioning it well to support a high‑profile launch like Clutch.
The partnership also reflects broader industry trends, where mid‑size developers seek publishing allies that can provide not only funding but also marketing expertise, distribution networks, and strategic guidance. By joining forces with Focus, Maverick gains access to a publisher that can amplify its reach across global markets, secure prominent placement on digital storefronts, and coordinate launch events that generate buzz among racing enthusiasts. In addition to the core gameplay loop, the developers have hinted at post‑launch support plans that may include downloadable content, seasonal events, and community‑driven challenges.
These initiatives aim to keep the world of Clutch fresh and engaging long after the initial release, fostering a dedicated player base and encouraging competitive play. Overall, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment promises to deliver a fresh take on the racing genre, blending the open‑world ambition of titles like Forza Horizon with the polish and support of a seasoned publisher.
With a spring 2027 launch on the horizon, both companies appear poised to make a significant impact on the next generation of racing games.