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 partner after an earlier arrangement fell through. In early 2024 Maverick Games originally signed a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the then‑unannounced racing title. However, Amazon chose to end the partnership earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better align with the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
The decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing home for its ambitious project. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, explained to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio is now engaged in "active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP" and that further details will be disclosed later in the year. This sentiment underscores Maverick’s determination to find a partner that not only supports the game’s development but also believes in its potential to become a flagship racing franchise.
Focus Entertainment’s publishing division 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, a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, sees the title as a chance to diversify its offerings beyond the action‑adventure and narrative‑driven games it has traditionally championed. Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on the major current‑generation platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game promises an expansive open‑world environment where players can explore varied terrains, customize vehicles, and engage in high‑octane races that blend realistic physics with arcade‑style thrills. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, commented on the partnership: "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." This endorsement highlights the confidence Focus places in Maverick’s leadership and creative vision. Maverick’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, 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 remarks reflect a long‑standing desire to craft a racing game that goes beyond traditional circuit tracks, offering a living, breathing world that reacts to player choices. The background of both companies adds depth to the partnership.
Focus Entertainment, based in France, operates under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment, which manages three primary 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 network provides a robust infrastructure for marketing, distribution, and post‑launch support, which Maverick hopes to leverage for Clutch’s global launch. Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a group of former Playground Games developers. The studio’s leadership includes veterans who have contributed to the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
Mike Brown, before establishing Maverick, served as creative director on several Forza Horizon installments, bringing a wealth of experience in crafting open‑world racing experiences that blend stunning visuals with accessible gameplay. This pedigree reassures both investors and fans that the team possesses the technical know‑how and creative insight required to deliver a high‑quality title. The transition from Amazon to Focus is also indicative of broader industry trends.
Large tech‑driven publishers like Amazon are increasingly focusing on projects that directly leverage their cloud services, AI capabilities, and massive distribution networks. Meanwhile, more traditional publishers such as Focus are doubling down on niche expertise, seeking to nurture unique IPs that can stand out in crowded markets. For Maverick, aligning with a publisher that values genre‑specific innovation may prove more beneficial than a partnership with a conglomerate whose priorities are more diversified.
Looking ahead, the development roadmap for Clutch includes several milestones. After the initial announcement, the team plans to release a series of gameplay teasers, developer diaries, and perhaps an early access window to gather player feedback.
The open‑world design suggests a focus on dynamic weather systems, a day‑night cycle, and a variety of race types—from street sprints to off‑road endurance challenges. Additionally, the game is expected to feature deep vehicle customization, allowing players to tweak performance parts, visual aesthetics, and even create their own liveries.
Community engagement will likely play a pivotal role. Maverick has hinted at plans for live events, seasonal content updates, and a competitive esports framework that could extend the game’s lifespan well beyond its launch window.
By partnering with Focus, which has experience in supporting live service models for other titles, Maverick hopes to ensure that Clutch remains fresh and engaging for years to come. In summary, the partnership between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a strategic alignment of creative ambition and publishing expertise. With a release targeted for spring 2027 on the leading consoles and PC, Clutch aims to redefine the open‑world racing experience, drawing on the seasoned talent of its developers and the robust support network of its new publisher. Fans of the genre can look forward to a title that aspires to blend the freedom of an open world with the adrenaline‑pumping excitement of high‑speed competition, all while establishing a fresh IP that could become a staple in racing game libraries worldwide.