French publishing house Focus Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Maverick Games to bring to market Maverick’s inaugural racing project, titled Clutch. This collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, combining Focus’s publishing expertise with Maverick’s fresh creative vision for an open‑world racing experience.
Initially, Maverick had aligned with Amazon Game Studios back in 2024 when the game was still under wraps. However, Amazon chose to dissolve that arrangement earlier in the current year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better exploit Amazon’s unique capabilities and scale.
The decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing ally that could match its long‑term aspirations for the intellectual property. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick Games, explained to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio is now engaged 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 underscores Maverick’s commitment to finding a partner whose goals align closely with the studio’s own, ensuring that Clutch receives the support it needs to become a flagship title. Focus Entertainment welcomed the opportunity, stating that publishing Clutch 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." By adding an open‑world racer to its catalogue, Focus aims to diversify its offerings and tap into a segment of the market that has seen growing demand for expansive, immersive driving games. The game is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on the latest generation consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC.
This multi‑platform launch strategy is designed to reach the broadest possible audience, from console enthusiasts to PC gamers who appreciate high‑fidelity racing simulations. 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 remarks highlight the publisher’s belief that Maverick’s leadership, particularly Mike Brown, brings a fresh and innovative perspective that can push the racing genre forward.
Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, added his own 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 comment reflects the studio’s original mission: to craft a racing universe that goes beyond traditional track‑based gameplay, offering players a living, breathing world to explore at high speeds. Focus Entertainment itself is a French publisher operating under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment.
Pullup’s corporate structure includes three primary 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 ecosystem of resources, talent, and technology that can support the development and launch of ambitious titles like Clutch. Maverick Games was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers.
The studio’s leadership brings considerable pedigree, especially in the racing genre. Mike Brown previously served as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, where he helped shape some of the most celebrated open‑world racing experiences to date.
His background equips him with both the creative insight and technical know‑how required to deliver a game that aspires to set new standards. The partnership between Maverick and Focus is expected to bring several advantages to the project. Focus’s publishing infrastructure will handle marketing, distribution, and regional localization, allowing Maverick to concentrate on polishing gameplay, world design, and narrative elements. Moreover, Focus’s experience with a variety of genres means it can offer strategic guidance on how to position Clutch within a competitive market that includes titles like Forza Horizon, Gran Turismo, and the emerging open‑world racers.
Looking ahead, both companies anticipate that Clutch will not only serve as a launchpad for Maverick’s future endeavors but also establish a new cornerstone for Focus’s portfolio. By delivering an immersive, open‑world racing environment, the game aims to attract both hardcore racing fans and casual players seeking a vibrant, exploratory driving experience. The developers have hinted at features such as dynamic weather systems, a living cityscape with day‑night cycles, and a deep vehicle customization system that will allow players to personalize their rides in unprecedented ways.
In summary, the alliance between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment signals a promising future for the upcoming racing title Clutch. With a release target of spring 2027 across major consoles and PC, the game is poised to make a significant impact on the genre, backed by a seasoned publishing partner and a development team led by industry veterans. The collaboration reflects a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of what an open‑world racing game can be, and both parties are eager to showcase the results to gamers worldwide.