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 milestone for both companies: it is Maverick’s first foray into the open‑world racing genre and it expands Focus’s catalogue with a title that promises to push the boundaries of immersive, high‑speed gameplay.
In early 2024 Maverick Games initially secured a publishing arrangement with Amazon Game Studios for the same, at‑the‑time‑unannounced, racing experience. However, Amazon chose to dissolve the agreement earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that more directly exploit the company’s unique technological assets and massive scale. The decision left Maverick seeking a new partner that shared its long‑term vision for the IP.
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 statement underscores Maverick’s commitment to finding a publishing home that not only provides financial backing but also aligns with the creative aspirations of the development team. Focus Entertainment’s executive team echoed this sentiment.
In a press release the publisher said 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 company, which operates under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment, sees the title as a strategic addition that diversifies its offerings beyond the action‑adventure and narrative‑driven games that have traditionally defined its slate. Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on the current generation of consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC. The game promises an expansive, seamless world where players can explore varied landscapes, from bustling urban environments to rugged countryside routes, all while engaging in high‑octane races that blend realistic vehicle physics with cinematic flair.
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." Chataignier’s comments highlight the publisher’s strategy of aligning with developers who bring fresh perspectives to established genres, thereby attracting both hardcore enthusiasts and newcomers. Mike Brown, the founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, added his own 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 remarks reflect a deep personal investment in the project, stemming from his extensive background in the racing game sector. Indeed, Maverick Games was established in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games veterans, many of whom contributed to the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
Brown himself previously served as creative director on several Forza Horizon installments, bringing a wealth of experience in crafting expansive, player‑driven racing environments. This pedigree gives Clutch a strong foundation of expertise in both technical execution and artistic direction. Focus Entertainment, as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, benefits from a robust corporate structure that 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 ecosystem provides Maverick with access to a wide range of resources, from marketing and distribution channels to technical support and cross‑studio collaboration opportunities. The transition from Amazon to Focus as a publishing partner also reflects broader industry trends, where developers increasingly seek publishers that can offer more than just funding—namely, strategic guidance, genre expertise, and a shared enthusiasm for innovative gameplay experiences.
While Amazon’s decision to step back was framed around focusing on projects that leverage its own infrastructure, Focus’s involvement signals a commitment to nurturing creative talent within the racing niche. Looking ahead, the development team at Maverick is expected to continue refining Clutch’s core mechanics, expanding its open world, and integrating community feedback as milestones are reached. The partnership with Focus will likely facilitate a series of public showcases, beta testing phases, and marketing campaigns designed to build anticipation ahead of the 2027 launch window. In summary, the alliance between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a convergence of seasoned racing‑game craftsmanship and a publisher eager to diversify its portfolio with a high‑profile, open‑world title.
With a release date set for spring 2027 across major platforms, Clutch aims to deliver a fresh, immersive racing experience that could redefine expectations for the genre and establish a new flagship IP for both companies.