French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Maverik Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing title, Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, as it combines Focus’s publishing expertise with Maverik’s vision for an expansive, open‑world racing experience. In early 2024, Maverik Games initially aligned with Amazon Game Studios to develop the then‑secret project.
However, Amazon chose to end the publishing arrangement earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better leverage the company’s unique capabilities and scale. The decision left Maverik searching for a new publishing partner that shared its long‑term aspirations for the IP.
Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverik Games, 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 Maverik’s commitment to finding a publishing ally that not only supports the game’s development but also aligns with its broader creative goals. 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." By adding Clutch to its slate, Focus aims to diversify its offerings beyond its traditional catalog, venturing into a genre that has historically been dominated by a few heavyweight franchises. 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 is intended to maximize the title’s reach, catering to both console enthusiasts and PC gamers who appreciate high‑fidelity racing simulations. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, emphasized the publisher’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 the belief that Clutch will push the boundaries of what open‑world racing can achieve, offering players unprecedented freedom and immersion.
Maverik’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, added his 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 vision for Clutch is rooted in a desire to blend the excitement of high‑speed competition with the depth of an expansive, living world that evolves as players explore it. Focus Entertainment, a French publishing house, operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment.
Pullup oversees three primary divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios that include Deck13, Streumon, Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This network provides a robust infrastructure for supporting titles like Clutch from concept through post‑launch support. Maverik Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers, bringing with them a wealth of experience from the acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
Mike Brown, who previously served as creative director on those titles, leverages that background to craft a racing game that aspires to be both a technical showcase and a narrative adventure. Clutch aims to differentiate itself from existing racing franchises by offering an open‑world environment where players can not only race on meticulously designed tracks but also explore a vibrant, dynamic landscape filled with side activities, hidden challenges, and a living ecosystem that reacts to player actions. The developers plan to incorporate a robust car customization system, weather-driven physics, and a progression model that rewards both skillful driving and exploration.
In addition to the core racing experience, the game will feature a multiplayer component that allows seamless integration of cooperative and competitive modes. Players will be able to form crews, host races, and participate in seasonal events that keep the community engaged long after launch.
The studio also intends to support modding tools, encouraging the community to create custom content and extend the game's lifespan. From a technical standpoint, Clutch will be built using the latest generation of graphics engines to deliver photorealistic environments, realistic vehicle dynamics, and immersive sound design that captures the roar of engines and the subtle nuances of different road surfaces. The team has emphasized their commitment to performance optimization, ensuring smooth frame rates across all platforms, including the demanding standards of next‑gen consoles.
The partnership with Focus Entertainment provides Maverik with the necessary publishing muscle, marketing expertise, and distribution channels to bring Clutch to a global audience. Focus’s experience in launching successful titles across multiple regions will be instrumental in positioning Clutch as a contender in the competitive racing market. Overall, the collaboration signals a promising future for both Maverik Games and Focus Entertainment.
By combining Maverik’s creative vision with Focus’s publishing acumen, Clutch is poised to become a landmark title that could reshape expectations for open‑world racing games. Enthusiasts and industry watchers alike will be watching closely as the development progresses toward its 2027 debut, eager to see how this ambitious project will redefine the genre.