French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Maverik Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing project, titled Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, combining Focus’s publishing expertise with Maverik’s vision for an open‑world racing experience. Initially, Maverik had secured a publishing arrangement with Amazon Game Studios back in 2024 for the same, as‑yet‑unnamed, title.
However, Amazon chose to end that partnership earlier in the year, citing a strategic shift toward projects that more directly leverage the company’s unique capabilities and scale. This decision left Maverik searching for a new publishing ally that shared its long‑term ambitions for the IP.
Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverik Games, told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio is currently engaged 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 Maverik’s commitment to finding a partner that not only provides financial backing but also aligns with the creative direction and future growth plans for Clutch. Focus Entertainment’s leadership echoed this sentiment. In a press release, the publisher explained 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." By venturing into the open‑world racing genre, Focus aims to diversify its offerings and capture a segment of gamers who crave expansive, immersive driving experiences.
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 is intended to maximize audience reach and ensure that the title can be enjoyed by a broad spectrum of racing enthusiasts. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership philosophy, 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 remarks highlight the publisher’s desire to work with developers who push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to established game categories.
Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverik Games, added his own perspective: "We founded Maverik 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 comment reflects the studio’s foundational goal of delivering a racing title that goes beyond traditional circuit‑based gameplay, offering players a living, breathing world to explore. Focus Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a French media conglomerate that oversees three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios. Among these studios are Deck13, Streumon, Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio.
This network provides Focus with a robust infrastructure for supporting a wide range of game projects, from indie titles to large‑scale productions. Maverik Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers. The studio’s leadership brings considerable experience from the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, where Mike Brown previously served as creative director. This background gives Maverik a deep understanding of what makes open‑world racing compelling, from dynamic weather systems to seamless transitions between urban and rural environments.
The transition from Amazon to Focus as the publishing partner is expected to influence the development timeline and resource allocation for Clutch. While Amazon’s departure was framed as a strategic refocus on internal strengths, it also opened the door for Maverik to align with a publisher whose portfolio includes a strong emphasis on narrative‑driven and genre‑defining experiences. Focus’s commitment to the project includes marketing support, distribution logistics, and potentially additional funding to enhance the game’s scope.
Industry observers note that the partnership could signal a broader trend of mid‑size studios seeking out specialized publishers rather than relying on the mega‑platform holders. By collaborating with a publisher that has a clear vision for the genre, Maverik can maintain creative control while benefiting from Focus’s established relationships with retailers, digital storefronts, and media outlets. Looking ahead, the development team has hinted at several key features that will differentiate Clutch from other racing titles.
These include a fully realized open world that reacts to player choices, a dynamic weather system that impacts vehicle handling, and a progression system that rewards exploration and skillful driving. The game will also feature a robust customization suite, allowing players to tweak both aesthetic and performance aspects of their vehicles. In addition to core gameplay, the studio plans to integrate a live‑service component, delivering periodic updates, new race events, and community‑driven challenges.
This approach aims to keep the player base engaged long after the initial launch, fostering a vibrant online community. Overall, the partnership between Maverik Games and Focus Entertainment represents a promising convergence of creative ambition and publishing expertise.
With a release window set for spring 2027, the industry will be watching closely to see how Clutch shapes the future of open‑world racing and whether it can establish itself as a flagship IP in a competitive market.