French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a publishing 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 distribution expertise with Maveric’s vision for an open‑world racing experience. The origins of Clutch trace back to early 2024, when Maverick Games first secured a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for a project that was still under wraps. That partnership, however, was dissolved earlier in the year when Amazon announced it would be refocusing its resources on initiatives that better align with its unique technological strengths and massive scale.
In a statement, Amazon explained that the decision was part of a broader strategic shift, not a reflection on the quality or potential of the Maverick title. Following the Amazon split, Maverick’s co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio had already begun "active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP and look forward to sharing more later this year." Those conversations ultimately led to the current agreement with Focus Entertainment, a company that sees Clutch as a cornerstone for expanding its portfolio into the open‑world racing segment. Focus Entertainment’s publishing arm emphasized that bringing Clutch to market 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 publisher highlighted its commitment to backing creators who push the boundaries of their genres, noting that the Clutch project aligns perfectly with that mission. The game is slated for a spring 2027 launch across the major current‑generation platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
This multi‑platform release strategy reflects both Maverick’s desire for broad accessibility and Focus’s confidence in the title’s ability to attract a wide audience of racing enthusiasts. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership, 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." Chataignier’s remarks underscore the respect that Focus has for Maverick’s leadership, particularly Mike Brown, whose reputation stems from his earlier work on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, echoed this sentiment: "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 is rooted in a desire to blend the freedom of an expansive open world with the high‑octane thrills of competitive racing, offering players a sandbox where they can explore, customize, and race in a living, breathing environment. The partnership also brings additional credibility through Focus Entertainment’s broader corporate structure. Focus is a French publishing house that operates under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment, a conglomerate that manages three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios.
Among those studios are Deck13, known for titles such as "The Surge" series; Streumon, creators of "The Cycle: Frontier"; Twelve Tenths, the team behind "The Last Oricru"; Leikir Studio; Blackmill; Dovetail; and Carpool Studio. This extensive network provides Maverick with access to a wealth of technical resources, marketing channels, and cross‑studio collaboration opportunities.
Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a group of former Playground Games developers. The studio’s leadership includes individuals who previously contributed to the success of the Forza Horizon franchise, bringing a deep understanding of racing game design, open‑world architecture, and player engagement mechanics. Mike Brown, before founding Maverick, served as creative director on several Forza Horizon entries, where he helped shape the series' signature blend of realistic car physics and vibrant, exploratory worlds.
Clutch aims to differentiate itself from existing racing titles by emphasizing a truly open environment where players can chart their own routes, discover hidden challenges, and engage in dynamic weather and day‑night cycles that affect vehicle handling. The developers plan to incorporate a robust car customization system, allowing players to tweak performance, aesthetics, and even create bespoke liveries. Multiplayer components are expected to include both competitive races and cooperative events, fostering a community-driven experience that evolves over time. Industry analysts view the Focus‑Maverick alliance as a strategic move that could reshape the racing genre landscape.
By supporting an ambitious open‑world title, Focus signals its intention to diversify beyond traditional linear racers and compete with established franchises such as "Need for Speed," "Forza Horizon," and "Gran Turismo." Meanwhile, Maverick gains a publishing partner with a proven track record of bringing niche, high‑quality games to a global audience. In summary, the upcoming release of Clutch represents a convergence of seasoned talent, strategic publishing support, and a bold creative vision. With a planned spring 2027 debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the game is poised to attract both hardcore racing fans and newcomers seeking an immersive, open‑world driving adventure. The collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment underscores a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a modern racing game can be, promising a fresh and exhilarating experience for players worldwide.