French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a 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, as it represents Focus’s first foray into the open‑world racing genre and provides Maverick with a seasoned publishing partner after an earlier arrangement fell through.
In early 2024, Maverick Games had initially signed a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the game, which at the time was still under wraps and had no public title. However, Amazon chose to dissolve the partnership earlier in the year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better leverage the company’s unique capabilities and scale. This decision left Maverick searching for a new ally to help shepherd the project to completion and eventual release.
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.” He added that Maverick looks forward to unveiling further details later in the year as the partnership with Focus solidifies and development milestones are reached. Focus Entertainment’s leadership echoed this enthusiasm.
The publisher said that adding Clutch to its slate will “strengthen our 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.” Vincent Chataignier, deputy chief executive officer of Focus Entertainment Publishing, emphasized the company’s strategy of aligning with creators who are reshaping their respective genres. He singled out Mike Brown and his team as “one of the defining creative voices in the racing genre,” noting that Clutch perfectly embodies the kind of ambitious, innovative project Focus aims to champion. Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, reiterated the studio’s vision: “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, and he brings that expertise to the development of Clutch, which promises an expansive, player‑driven environment where races can unfold across diverse terrains and weather conditions.
The game is slated for a spring 2027 launch across the major current‑generation platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. While specific gameplay mechanics have yet to be fully disclosed, the developers have hinted at a seamless blend of high‑octane street racing, off‑road challenges, and a persistent open world that evolves based on player choices and progression. The title aims to differentiate itself from traditional circuit‑based racers by offering a living, breathing world that reacts to the player’s actions, complete with dynamic traffic, evolving cityscapes, and a robust customization system for both vehicles and driver avatars. Focus Entertainment, a French publishing house, operates under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment.
Pullup’s structure includes 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 strong infrastructure for marketing, distribution, and post‑launch support, which Maverick expects will be instrumental in positioning Clutch as a competitive title in the crowded racing market.
Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers, bringing together talent with a proven track record in creating polished, genre‑defining experiences. The studio’s formation was driven by a shared desire to push the boundaries of racing games beyond the linear, track‑centric designs that dominate the industry.
By focusing on an open‑world format, Maverick hopes to deliver a sense of freedom and immersion that encourages players to explore, experiment, and craft their own racing narratives. The termination of the Amazon partnership, while initially a setback, ultimately opened the door for Maverick to align with a publisher whose strategic priorities more closely match the studio’s creative aspirations. Focus’s commitment to supporting innovative IPs and its resources for global distribution are expected to accelerate Clutch’s development timeline and broaden its reach upon release.
Industry observers note that the collaboration could signal a broader trend of mid‑size studios seeking publishing partners that offer both financial backing and strategic alignment, rather than merely serving as distribution channels. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the success of titles like Clutch may influence how publishers and developers negotiate future deals, emphasizing shared vision and long‑term IP development.
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 all major platforms, Clutch aims to set a new benchmark for open‑world racing experiences, leveraging the seasoned leadership of Mike Brown and the robust support infrastructure of Focus.
The gaming community can anticipate further announcements throughout the year as development progresses and the teams continue to refine the world they are building for players worldwide.