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, as it gives Focus its first foothold in the open‑world racing genre while providing Maverick a seasoned partner to help launch its ambitious new intellectual property.
The origins of Clutch trace back to early 2024, when Maverick Games first struck a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios. At that time the game was still under wraps, and the two parties were working together to define the scope and scale of the project.
However, Amazon later decided to end the relationship, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that more directly leverage the company’s unique technological strengths and massive distribution capabilities. The termination was announced early in the year, leaving Maverick to seek a new publishing home for its flagship title. Following the split with Amazon, Maverick’s co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio had already begun “active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP.” He indicated that discussions were progressing well and that further details would be disclosed later in the year.
This openness to collaboration ultimately led to the current partnership with Focus Entertainment, a well‑established French publisher known for supporting a diverse portfolio of games across multiple platforms. Focus Entertainment’s statement highlighted the strategic importance of adding Clutch to its catalogue. The publisher emphasized that the title would “strengthen our portfolio with its first entry into the open‑world racing space,” reflecting a shared vision to deliver a distinctive experience that could become a cornerstone of a new racing franchise. The company’s deputy CEO of publishing, Vincent Chataignier, added that Focus actively seeks creators who are redefining their genres.
He praised Mike Brown, the founder and creative lead of Maverick, describing him and his team as “one of the defining creative voices in the racing genre.” According to Chataignier, Clutch embodies the kind of bold, innovative ambition that Focus aims to champion in its publishing slate. Mike Brown, who founded Maverick Games after a successful stint as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, echoed these sentiments.
In a public comment, Brown explained that the studio was created with the explicit goal of building the open‑world racing experience he had envisioned for many years. He noted that Focus’s commitment to high creative standards and its enthusiasm for the project aligned perfectly with Maverick’s own aspirations. Brown expressed excitement about the upcoming launch, saying the team can’t wait for players around the globe to explore the world they have crafted.
Clutch 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. The game promises an expansive, open‑world environment where players can freely roam, discover hidden routes, and engage in high‑octane races that blend realistic vehicle dynamics with the freedom of an unrestricted playground.
While specific gameplay details remain under wraps, the development team has hinted at a strong emphasis on player choice, dynamic weather systems, and a living world that reacts to the actions of racers. The partnership also situates Clutch within the broader ecosystem of Focus Entertainment’s corporate structure.
Focus operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a conglomerate that oversees 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, which focuses on tactical shooters; Twelve Tenths, an indie‑focused studio; Leikir Studio; Blackmill; Dovetail; and Carpool Studio. This network provides a robust support system for publishing, marketing, and technical assistance, which Maverick can leverage to ensure a successful launch.
The background of Maverick Games adds further depth to the story. The studio was founded in 2023 by former developers from Playground Games, the studio behind the popular Forza Horizon franchise. Drawing on that experience, Brown and his team set out to create a racing game that would push the boundaries of open‑world design, offering players a seamless blend of exploration and competition that had not yet been realized in the genre. Their expertise in crafting vibrant, living worlds and delivering polished driving mechanics positions Clutch as a highly anticipated entry in the market.
In summary, the alliance between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a convergence of creative vision and publishing expertise. With Amazon Game Studios stepping away earlier in the year, Maverick found a new ally in Focus, which brings both financial backing and a strategic focus on genre‑defining experiences. The upcoming release of Clutch in spring 2027 promises to deliver an immersive, open‑world racing adventure across major platforms, and the collaboration sets the stage for what could become a flagship franchise for both companies.