French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a publishing partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing title, Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies, combining Focus’s distribution expertise with Maverick’s vision for an expansive open‑world racing experience. The journey of Clutch began in 2024 when Maverick Games initially struck a deal with Amazon Game Studios to develop the game, which at the time was still under wraps. However, Amazon later decided to dissolve the agreement, citing a strategic shift toward projects that better align with the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
In a brief statement, Amazon explained that it was refocusing its resources on initiatives that could fully leverage its extensive cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and global reach. Following the termination, Maverick’s co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio promptly opened discussions with other publishing partners who shared its long‑term aspirations for the Clutch IP. "We are actively talking with partners who understand our vision and are committed to nurturing the franchise over the coming years," Sangha said, adding that further details would be announced later in the year.
Focus Entertainment welcomed the opportunity to add Clutch to its catalog, emphasizing that the title will be the company’s first foray into the open‑world racing genre. "Publishing Clutch will diversify our portfolio and signal our entry into a space that has been largely dominated by a handful of legacy franchises," said a spokesperson for Focus. "Our shared ambition is to craft a memorable experience that positions Clutch as a flagship racing IP for the next generation of gamers." The game is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The developers have promised a seamless blend of high‑octane street racing, dynamic weather systems, and a sprawling, fully explorable world that reacts to player choices. According to the studio, the title will feature a robust progression system, a deep vehicle customization suite, and multiplayer modes that encourage both competitive and cooperative play. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership, stating, "At Focus, we actively seek collaborators who are pushing the boundaries of their respective genres. Mike Brown and his team have earned a reputation as visionary creators within the racing community, and Clutch perfectly encapsulates the kind of bold, innovative spirit we aim to champion." Maverick’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, echoed these sentiments, noting, "When we launched Maverick Games, our goal was to finally realize the open‑world racing dream that we’ve envisioned for years.
Focus shares our high standards and our passion for this project, and we’re eager for players around the globe to dive into the world we’ve built." Focus Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a French media conglomerate that oversees three primary divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios. Among the studios under Pullup’s umbrella are Deck13, known for narrative‑driven action titles; Streumon, a specialist in tactical shooters; Twelve Tenths, an indie studio focused on experimental gameplay; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio, each bringing unique creative strengths to the group’s overall portfolio. Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of veterans who previously worked at Playground Games, the studio behind the acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Mike Brown, who served as creative director on several Forza Horizon installments, leveraged his experience to shape Clutch’s design philosophy, aiming to blend the series’ beloved sense of freedom with a more immersive, story‑driven world.
The transition from Amazon to Focus is expected to provide Maverick with a more tailored publishing environment. While Amazon offers unparalleled cloud services and a massive distribution network, Focus brings a focused expertise in publishing niche, high‑quality titles and a track record of nurturing indie and mid‑tier developers into global successes.
This alignment is anticipated to give Clutch the creative freedom it needs while ensuring a robust marketing push and strategic release plan. Industry analysts view the partnership as a positive sign for the racing genre, which has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to titles that emphasize player agency and open‑world exploration.
By positioning Clutch alongside established franchises like Need for Speed and Forza Horizon, Focus and Maverick hope to capture both hardcore racing enthusiasts and casual gamers seeking an immersive, visually stunning experience. In addition to the core single‑player campaign, the developers have hinted at post‑launch support that could include downloadable content packs, seasonal events, and community‑driven challenges. These ongoing updates are intended to keep the game fresh and maintain an active player base long after the initial launch window.
Overall, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment signals a strategic move for both parties: Maverick gains a publishing partner aligned with its creative ambitions, while Focus expands its catalog with a high‑profile, next‑generation racing title. As the spring 2027 release date approaches, fans and industry watchers alike will be closely monitoring the development milestones, trailer drops, and beta testing opportunities that will shape the final shape of Clutch. Should the partnership continue to thrive, Clutch could become a benchmark for future open‑world racing games, setting new standards for scale, immersion, and player-driven storytelling within the genre.