French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a publishing partnership with Maverik Games to bring the studio’s inaugural open‑world racing project, titled Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, as it combines Focus’s extensive distribution network and publishing expertise with Maverik’s vision for a fresh, immersive racing experience.
Earlier in 2024, Maverik Games had initially secured a publishing arrangement with Amazon Game Studios for the same, as‑yet‑unannounced title. However, Amazon decided to end the partnership earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward projects that better align with the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
In a public statement, Amazon explained that the decision was driven by a desire to concentrate resources on initiatives that could fully leverage its cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and massive retail ecosystem. Following the Amazon withdrawal, Maverik co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio immediately began exploring new publishing relationships. "We are actively engaging with partners who share our long‑term vision for the Clutch IP," Sangha said, adding that Maverik looks forward to revealing more details about the game later in the year.
This proactive outreach led to the current agreement with Focus Entertainment, a company that has a strong track record of supporting mid‑size developers and bringing niche titles to a global audience. Focus Entertainment’s publishing division expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that Clutch will be the first open‑world racing game in its portfolio.
"Adding Clutch to our slate strengthens our collection with a brand‑new entry into the open‑world racing genre," said a Focus spokesperson. "We are driven by a shared ambition to deliver a standout experience that establishes Clutch as a major new racing IP, and we are confident that the collaboration with Maverik will achieve that goal." Clutch is slated for a spring 2027 launch on the latest generation consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC. The game promises a vast, seamless world where players can freely explore diverse environments, from coastal highways to mountainous passes, all while competing in high‑speed races that blend realistic vehicle physics with arcade‑style excitement.
The developers have highlighted a dynamic weather system, a robust car‑customisation suite, and a narrative layer that ties together the various racing events. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the company’s philosophy when selecting partners.
"At Focus, we look to collaborate with creators who are redefining their genre," he said. "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." Maverik founder and chief executive officer Mike Brown echoed this sentiment, explaining the origins of the studio and its mission.
"We founded Maverik Games to build the open‑world racing experience we’d dreamed about for years," Brown remarked. "Focus shares our creative bar and our ambition for Clutch, and we can’t wait for players everywhere to discover this world." The partnership also underscores Focus Entertainment’s broader corporate structure.
Focus is a French publishing house that operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a media conglomerate that manages three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew (a label dedicated to indie and retro‑style titles), and a collection of development studios. Among the studios under Pullup’s umbrella are Deck13, known for the Gothic‑inspired The Surge series; Streumon, creators of the tactical shooter Scourge; Twelve Tenths, a studio focused on narrative‑driven experiences; Leikir Studio, which specializes in mobile and cross‑platform games; Blackmill, a newcomer with a focus on experimental gameplay; Dovetail, a boutique studio with a reputation for polished indie titles; and Carpool Studio, which concentrates on multiplayer and live‑service projects.
Maverik Games itself was founded in 2023 by a group of former Playground Games developers who had previously contributed to the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon franchise. Mike Brown, who served as creative director on several Forza Horizon installments, brings a wealth of experience in designing expansive, visually striking open‑world environments and crafting engaging, high‑octane racing mechanics. His background informs the design philosophy behind Clutch, which aims to blend the best elements of realistic simulation with the accessibility and fun factor of arcade racers.
The decision to target a 2027 release gives the development team ample time to refine the game’s core systems, expand its world, and integrate community feedback from early demos and closed‑alpha testing phases. According to internal sources, Maverik plans to roll out a series of gameplay showcases throughout 2025 and 2026, each highlighting different aspects of Clutch—such as vehicle handling, environmental interaction, and the evolving storyline that ties the races together.
In addition to the primary platforms, the publishing agreement includes plans for post‑launch support, including downloadable content (DLC) packs, seasonal events, and potential expansions that could introduce new regions, vehicle classes, and multiplayer modes. Focus Entertainment’s publishing infrastructure will handle distribution, marketing, and community management, ensuring that Clutch reaches a broad audience across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Overall, the Maverik‑Focus partnership represents a strategic alignment of creative vision and publishing muscle, positioning Clutch to become a notable entry in the competitive racing genre. With a seasoned development team, a clear roadmap, and the backing of an experienced publisher, the game is poised to deliver an immersive, high‑energy open‑world racing experience that could set new standards for future titles in the space.