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 Focus’s first foray into the open‑world racing genre, and it gives Maverick a new publishing home after an earlier arrangement fell through. In early 2024, Maverick Games had initially secured a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the same, still‑secret title. However, Amazon chose to dissolve the partnership earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward projects that better align with the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
The decision left Maverick seeking a new ally that shared its long‑term vision for the intellectual property. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, explained to 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 sentiment underscores Maverick’s commitment to finding a publisher that not only provides financial backing but also understands the creative direction of an ambitious open‑world racing experience. Focus Entertainment’s publishing arm welcomed the opportunity, stating 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 publisher sees the title as a chance to diversify its offerings and to demonstrate its ability to support large‑scale, genre‑defining projects. The game is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
This multi‑platform launch strategy reflects both Maverick’s desire to reach a broad audience and Focus’s confidence in the title’s cross‑generational appeal. 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 highlight the publisher’s belief that Maverick’s leadership possesses the vision and expertise needed to push the boundaries of racing games.
Maverick’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, echoed this enthusiasm: "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 emphasizes that the partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and player immersion. Focus Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a larger media group that manages three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios.
Among its in‑house developers are Deck13, known for narrative‑driven action titles; Streumon, a studio with a focus on tactical shooters; Twelve Tenths, which specializes in indie‑style experiences; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This extensive network provides Focus with a robust infrastructure for supporting a wide variety of game genres, making its entry into open‑world racing a logical expansion.
Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games veterans, a studio renowned for its work on the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Mike Brown previously served as creative director on several Forza Horizon installments, giving him deep insight into the mechanics and design philosophies that make open‑world racing games resonate with players. Leveraging that experience, Brown and his team aim to craft a racing universe that blends the exhilaration of high‑speed competition with the freedom of exploration.
The transition from Amazon to Focus as the publishing partner is expected to have several practical implications for the development timeline. With Focus’s resources and its experience in coordinating multi‑platform releases, Maverick anticipates a smoother path to market, including support for marketing campaigns, distribution logistics, and post‑launch live‑service planning.
Moreover, the partnership opens doors for potential collaborations with other studios under the Pullup umbrella, which could lead to shared technology, cross‑studio expertise, and perhaps even crossover content that enriches the Clutch universe. Industry analysts view this deal as a positive sign for the mid‑size studio ecosystem, where developers often rely on publishers that can provide both financial stability and strategic guidance. By aligning with a publisher that values genre innovation, Maverick positions itself to not only deliver a high‑quality product but also to build a lasting brand within the competitive racing market. In summary, the alliance between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a strategic convergence of creative ambition and publishing capability.
With a release window set for spring 2027 across the major current‑generation consoles and PC, Clutch is poised to become a noteworthy addition to the racing genre, offering players an expansive, open‑world environment that promises both speed and adventure. The partnership underscores a shared belief in pushing the boundaries of what a racing game can be, and both companies are eager to see how the gaming community receives this ambitious new title.