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: it gives Focus its first foray into the open‑world racing genre, while providing Maverick with a seasoned publishing ally after an earlier arrangement fell through.
In early 2024, Maverick Games had initially struck a deal with Amazon Game Studios to bring the yet‑to‑be‑named title to a broad audience. However, Amazon chose to end that partnership earlier this year, stating that its strategic focus would shift toward initiatives that more directly exploit Amazon’s unique capabilities and scale. The decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing home for the ambitious open‑world racer they had been developing.
Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, explained to 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 sentiment underscores Maverick’s commitment to finding a partner whose vision aligns with the creative goals of Clutch, a game that aims to blend expansive, free‑roaming environments with high‑octane racing action. Focus Entertainment’s publishing arm welcomed the opportunity, noting that adding Clutch to its catalogue 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 company sees the title as a chance to diversify its offerings, which have traditionally spanned narrative‑driven adventures, action‑RPGs, and indie‑style projects. The game is slated for a Spring 2027 launch across the latest generation of consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC. This multi‑platform release strategy reflects both Maverick’s desire for broad accessibility and Focus’s intent to maximize the title’s market reach.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership’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." Chataignier’s remarks highlight the respect Focus has for Maverick’s leadership and the innovative direction they intend to pursue. Maverick’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, echoed this enthusiasm, stating: "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 adds weight to the project; before launching Maverick in 2023, he spent several years at Playground Games, contributing as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
His experience with open‑world racing mechanics and community‑driven design is expected to inform Clutch’s core gameplay loops. Focus Entertainment itself is a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a larger conglomerate that oversees three primary divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios. Among the studios under Pullup’s umbrella are Deck13, known for titles like "The Surge"; Streumon, creators of the tactical shooter "E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy"; Twelve Tenths, an emerging indie studio; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This network provides a robust infrastructure for publishing, marketing, and distribution, which Maverick hopes to leverage for Clutch’s worldwide rollout.
The partnership also signals a broader trend in the industry where mid‑size developers, after experiencing setbacks with larger publishers, turn to more specialized partners that can offer tailored support and a shared vision. For Maverick, the shift from Amazon to Focus may prove advantageous, as Focus appears committed to nurturing the title through its development milestones, providing marketing expertise, and ensuring a launch that meets both critical and commercial expectations. Clutch itself promises to push the boundaries of the racing genre.
While detailed gameplay information remains under wraps, the developers have hinted at a seamless blend of high‑speed competition and exploration, allowing players to traverse diverse landscapes—from sprawling urban metropolises to rugged natural terrains—without loading screens interrupting the flow. The game aims to incorporate dynamic weather systems, a living ecosystem of AI‑driven traffic, and a deep progression system that rewards both skillful driving and exploration.
Industry analysts anticipate that the open‑world racing niche, still relatively untapped compared to traditional circuit‑based racers, could attract a sizable audience seeking fresh experiences. By positioning Clutch as a flagship title within this space, both Maverick and Focus hope to capture market share from established franchises while also appealing to newcomers drawn by the promise of a richly detailed, immersive world.
In summary, the new publishing agreement between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment marks a pivotal moment for the upcoming title Clutch. After Amazon’s withdrawal, the partnership with Focus provides the necessary resources, expertise, and shared creative ambition to bring an innovative open‑world racing experience to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in spring 2027. With a seasoned leadership team, a clear vision for the game's unique selling points, and the backing of a diversified publishing house, Clutch is poised to become a notable entry in the evolving landscape of racing video games.