French publishing house Focus Entertainment has entered into a 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 combines Maverick’s fresh creative vision with Focus’s established distribution network and publishing expertise.
The origins of Clutch trace back to early 2024, when Maverick Games first secured a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the then‑secret title. However, Amazon chose to dissolve the partnership earlier in the year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better leverage the company’s unique capabilities and scale. In a statement, Amazon explained that the decision was driven by a desire to concentrate resources on projects that align more closely with its core strengths. Following the termination, Maverick’s co‑founder and chief operating officer, Harinder Sangha, told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio promptly began “active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP.” He emphasized that Maverick is eager to reveal further details later in the year as the development progresses and the partnership solidifies.
Focus Entertainment welcomed the opportunity to publish Clutch, highlighting that the title will diversify its portfolio by adding its first foray into the open‑world racing genre. The publisher’s spokesperson explained that the collaboration is driven by a mutual ambition to craft a standout experience that can establish Clutch as a major new racing intellectual property.
This aligns with Focus’s broader strategy of expanding into new gaming categories while maintaining a high standard of quality. 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 explore a richly detailed landscape while engaging in high‑octane street racing, vehicle customization, and dynamic weather systems. The developers have hinted at a blend of realistic driving physics with arcade‑style freedom, aiming to appeal to both hardcore simulation fans and casual racers. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership, stating, “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.” He underscored that the publisher seeks to support innovative projects that push the boundaries of established game types. Maverick’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, echoed this sentiment, adding, “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 background includes a tenure as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, which informs his vision for a game that blends expansive exploration with exhilarating race mechanics. Focus Entertainment itself is a French‑based publisher operating under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment.
Pullup’s corporate structure comprises three main divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios. Among the studios in Pullup’s network are Deck13, known for narrative‑driven titles; Streumon, which focuses on action‑oriented games; Twelve Tenths, a studio with a reputation for innovative indie projects; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio, each contributing distinct creative strengths to the group’s overall portfolio. Maverick Games was founded in 2023 by a team of former developers from Playground Games, the studio behind the popular Forza Horizon franchise.
Leveraging their experience in creating open‑world racing experiences, the founders set out to establish a new studio that could deliver a fresh take on the genre. Their ambition is to craft a world that feels alive, with a living ecosystem of traffic, dynamic events, and a deep progression system that rewards both skillful driving and exploration. The decision to partner with Focus rather than a larger, more traditional publisher reflects Maverick’s desire for a collaborative relationship that respects creative autonomy while providing the necessary resources for a successful launch.
Focus’s track record of supporting mid‑size studios and its willingness to invest in new IPs made it an ideal match for Maverick’s goals. Looking ahead, both companies are confident that Clutch will resonate with gamers seeking a blend of freedom, competition, and immersion. The development team plans to release regular updates and community‑driven content after launch, ensuring that the game’s world continues to evolve and stay relevant in a rapidly changing market. With a projected release window in spring 2027, anticipation is building among racing enthusiasts who are eager to see how Maverick’s vision, backed by Focus’s publishing muscle, will redefine the open‑world racing experience.