French publisher Focus Entertainment has announced a new partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing title, Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, with Focus expanding its catalogue into the open‑world racing genre and Maverick securing a seasoned publishing partner after an earlier setback. In early 2024 Maverick Games entered into a publishing arrangement with Amazon Game Studios for the then‑unannounced project that would later become Clutch.
However, Amazon decided to dissolve the agreement earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better exploit the company’s unique capabilities and scale. The decision left Maverick searching for a new partner that could share its long‑term vision for the IP. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, told 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 statement underscored Maverick’s commitment to finding a publisher that not only understands the technical demands of an open‑world racing experience but also aligns with the creative aspirations of the team.
Focus Entertainment welcomed the opportunity, stating 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 publisher, a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, sees Clutch as a flagship title that can diversify its offerings beyond the action‑adventure and narrative‑driven games it has traditionally supported. Clutch is slated for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game promises an expansive open world where players can freely explore a richly detailed environment, participate in high‑speed street races, and customize a wide range of vehicles. According to the developers, the world of Clutch will feature dynamic weather systems, a day‑night cycle, and a living city that reacts to the player’s actions, aiming to set a new benchmark for immersion in the racing genre.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, explained 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 Focus’s strategy of aligning with studios that push boundaries, and they signal confidence in Maverick’s ability to deliver a game that could rival established franchises.
Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, added his 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 background includes a tenure as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, giving him a deep understanding of what makes an open‑world racing game resonate with both casual and hardcore audiences.
The partnership also benefits from the broader ecosystem of Pullup Entertainment, which operates three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a network of development studios that includes Deck13, Streumon, Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This infrastructure provides Maverick with access to a wealth of technical expertise, marketing resources, and distribution channels that can help ensure Clutch reaches a global audience. Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by former Playground Games developers. The studio’s leadership brings a track record of delivering high‑quality, open‑world experiences, and their expertise is expected to translate into a racing title that offers both depth and accessibility.
While the core gameplay will focus on high‑octane racing, the developers have hinted at additional layers such as story‑driven missions, a robust progression system, and multiplayer modes that allow friends to race together in a seamless online environment. Beyond the core features, the team plans to incorporate a rich soundtrack curated from both emerging and established artists, aiming to enhance the sense of speed and immersion. Environmental storytelling will also play a role, with hidden collectibles, side activities, and dynamic events that encourage players to explore beyond the main race circuits.
In terms of technology, Clutch will leverage the latest generation of consoles and PC hardware, utilizing ray tracing for realistic lighting, high‑resolution textures, and advanced physics simulations to deliver authentic vehicle handling. The developers have also pledged to support post‑launch content, including new cars, tracks, and seasonal events, ensuring the game remains fresh and engaging long after its initial release. Overall, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment signals a promising future for Clutch.
By combining Maverick’s creative pedigree and racing expertise with Focus’s publishing muscle and strategic vision, the partnership aims to create a landmark title that could redefine open‑world racing and establish a new, enduring franchise in the competitive gaming market.