French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing title, Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, combining Focus’s publishing expertise with Maverick’s vision for an open‑world racing experience. In early 2024 Maverick Games originally secured a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the project, which at the time was still being kept under wraps. However, Amazon chose to end the arrangement earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better align with the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
The decision left Maverick searching for a new partner that could share its long‑term ambitions for the IP. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio is now "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 the studio’s commitment to finding a publishing home that not only funds development but also believes in the creative direction of the game. 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." The French publisher sees the title as a gateway into a genre that has traditionally been dominated by a handful of legacy franchises, and it hopes the partnership will yield a fresh, immersive racing adventure for gamers.
Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game promises an expansive, open‑world environment where players can explore diverse landscapes, compete in high‑speed events, and customize their vehicles in unprecedented ways. By targeting the next‑generation consoles and PC, Maverick aims to leverage the latest hardware capabilities to deliver stunning visuals, realistic physics, and seamless online multiplayer experiences. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, explained the publisher’s philosophy: "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 the industry holds for Maverick’s founder, who has a strong pedigree in racing games. Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, added his 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 statement reflects a clear vision: to craft a racing title that goes beyond traditional circuit racing, offering players a living, breathing world filled with dynamic weather, day‑night cycles, and a variety of gameplay modes that cater to both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts. Focus Entertainment itself is a French publishing house that operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment.
Pullup’s structure includes three core 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, from funding and marketing to technical support, which should prove invaluable for Maverick as it brings Clutch to market.
Maverick Games was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers. The studio’s leadership brings a wealth of experience from the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, where Mike Brown previously served as creative director. His background in creating expansive, beautifully rendered open‑world racing environments informs the design philosophy behind Clutch, promising a game that blends the thrill of high‑speed competition with the freedom of exploration.
The transition from Amazon to Focus as a publishing partner also reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, where studios increasingly seek publishers that can offer more than just financial backing. They look for partners who understand the creative vision, can provide strategic marketing, and have the distribution channels necessary to reach a global audience.
Focus’s commitment to expanding its portfolio into new genres aligns well with Maverick’s desire to push the boundaries of what a racing game can be. As development progresses, both companies have indicated that more details will be revealed throughout the remainder of the year.
Anticipation is building among racing enthusiasts who are eager to see how Clutch will differentiate itself from established titles like Gran Turismo, Forza Horizon, and Need for Speed. With its open‑world focus, deep customization options, and a commitment to delivering a high‑quality experience, Clutch aims to carve out its own niche in the competitive racing market.
In summary, the partnership between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a strategic alignment of creative ambition and publishing expertise. By joining forces, they aim to deliver a groundbreaking racing title that not only meets the expectations of modern gamers but also sets a new benchmark for open‑world racing experiences. The spring 2027 launch window gives the development team ample time to refine gameplay mechanics, polish visual fidelity, and ensure a smooth multiplayer infrastructure, positioning Clutch as a potential flagship title for both the studio and its new publishing ally.