French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a publishing partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing title, Clutch, to market. This collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, combining Focus’s distribution expertise with Maverick’s fresh 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 exploring how Amazon’s vast resources could support the development of a new, ambitious racing IP. However, earlier this year Amazon decided to end the arrangement, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that more directly leverage the company’s unique capabilities and scale. The decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing partner that shared its long‑term aspirations for the title. 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." This statement underscored Maverick’s commitment to finding a collaborator whose goals align with the creative direction of Clutch, and it set the stage for the eventual partnership with Focus Entertainment.
Focus Entertainment’s leadership expressed enthusiasm for the deal, emphasizing how Clutch will expand the publisher’s portfolio into the open‑world racing segment for the first time. In a formal statement, Focus noted 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." The publisher sees the game as an opportunity to diversify its offerings and to showcase its ability to bring high‑quality, genre‑defining experiences to a global audience. The upcoming title is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on the latest generation of consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC. This multi‑platform launch strategy is designed to reach a broad spectrum of racing enthusiasts, from console loyalists to PC gamers who appreciate the technical depth and modding potential that the platform provides.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the publisher’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 highlights both the reputation of Maverick’s founder and the innovative direction the studio intends to pursue with Clutch. Mike Brown, the founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, added his perspective on the collaboration: "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: to craft an expansive, immersive racing universe where players can explore diverse environments, engage in dynamic weather systems, and experience a level of vehicle customization and progression that pushes the boundaries of current racing games. The partnership also benefits from Focus Entertainment’s broader corporate structure.
Focus is a French publishing house that operates under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment, a holding company 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 studio with a strong pedigree in tactical shooters; Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio, each contributing distinct expertise ranging from indie experimentation to large‑scale production pipelines. This network provides Maverick with access to a wealth of technical resources, marketing channels, and distribution networks that can amplify Clutch’s reach. Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a group of former Playground Games developers, a studio renowned for the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
Mike Brown, who previously served as creative director on the Forza Horizon franchise, brings a deep understanding of what makes open‑world racing compelling: a seamless blend of realistic vehicle physics, vibrant, living worlds, and a sense of freedom that encourages players to chart their own paths. Leveraging this experience, Brown and his team aim to differentiate Clutch by introducing novel gameplay mechanics, such as dynamic event generation, player‑driven narrative choices, and a persistent online ecosystem that evolves based on community activity.
In addition to the core racing loops, Clutch is expected to feature extensive car customization options, ranging from visual modifications like paint jobs and body kits to performance upgrades that affect handling, acceleration, and top speed. The game will also incorporate a robust progression system, rewarding players with new vehicles, parts, and in‑game currency as they complete challenges, compete in multiplayer events, and explore hidden locations across the game’s expansive map.
The decision to target a 2027 spring release gives the development team ample time to refine the game’s engine, polish its visual fidelity, and conduct thorough testing across all platforms. Early access or beta testing phases are likely to be part of the roadmap, allowing the community to provide feedback that can shape the final product. This iterative approach aligns with industry best practices for large‑scale open‑world titles, where player input can be invaluable for balancing performance, fixing bugs, and enhancing overall enjoyment. Overall, the alliance between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment signals a promising future for Clutch.
By combining Maverick’s creative expertise, rooted in a legacy of successful open‑world racing design, with Focus’s publishing muscle and extensive network of development studios, the partnership is well positioned to deliver a landmark racing experience that could redefine the genre and establish Clutch as a flagship IP for years to come.