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, combining Focus’s extensive distribution network and publishing expertise with Maverick’s fresh creative vision for an open‑world racing experience. The origins of Clutch trace back to early 2024 when Maverick Games first announced a partnership with Amazon Game Studios.
At that time the game was still under wraps, and the two parties were exploring how Amazon’s resources could support the development of a large‑scale, open‑world title. However, in the first half of the year Amazon decided to end the agreement, citing a strategic shift toward projects that more directly leverage the company’s unique technological capabilities and scale.
The decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing home that shared its long‑term ambitions for the IP. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick Games, told 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 partner that not only provides financial backing but also aligns with the creative direction and quality standards the team has set for Clutch. Focus Entertainment’s response was enthusiastic. The publisher announced that adding Clutch to its slate would "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 venturing into the open‑world racing genre, Focus aims to diversify its catalog, which has traditionally been dominated by narrative‑driven and action‑oriented titles.
The partnership signals Focus’s willingness to back ambitious, genre‑defining projects that have the potential to become flagship franchises. Clutch is slated for a spring 2027 release across the major current‑generation platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The timing positions the game to benefit from the continued growth of the console market and the increasing appetite among gamers for expansive, immersive racing experiences that go beyond traditional circuit‑based gameplay. The open‑world design promises a blend of high‑speed competition, exploration, and a living, breathing environment that reacts to player choices.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership’s strategic fit, 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 respect Focus has for Maverick’s leadership, particularly CEO Mike Brown, whose background includes a tenure as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Mike Brown, founder and chief executive of Maverick Games, echoed this sentiment.
He explained, "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 vision for Clutch centers on delivering a seamless fusion of realistic vehicle dynamics, a richly detailed world, and a narrative that encourages players to engage with the environment beyond simple races. The game aims to offer a variety of gameplay modes, from street races and off‑road challenges to a deeper storyline that explores the culture of underground racing communities.
The partnership also benefits from Focus Entertainment’s broader corporate structure. As a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, Focus operates 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 Maverick with access to a wealth of technical talent, marketing resources, and cross‑studio collaboration opportunities that can enhance the quality and reach of Clutch.
Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers, bringing together a wealth of experience from the Forza Horizon franchise, which is renowned for its open‑world racing design. This pedigree gives the studio a solid foundation to tackle the technical and creative challenges inherent in building a large‑scale, open‑world racing title.
The team’s expertise in crafting expansive maps, dynamic weather systems, and a diverse roster of vehicles will be instrumental in delivering the immersive experience promised by Clutch. Beyond the core gameplay, the developers plan to integrate robust online features, including multiplayer races, community events, and a customizable garage where players can modify and showcase their vehicles.
These elements are intended to foster a vibrant player community and extend the game’s longevity well beyond its launch window. In summary, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a convergence of creative ambition and publishing muscle. With Amazon Game Studios stepping away earlier in the year, the new partnership offers a clear path forward for Clutch, positioning it to become a landmark title in the open‑world racing genre.
As the spring 2027 release approaches, both companies are poised to reveal more details, including gameplay footage, beta testing opportunities, and further insights into the world they are building. The industry will be watching closely to see how Clutch reshapes expectations for racing games and whether it can establish itself as the next major franchise in a competitive market.