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, as it positions Focus Entertainment within the open‑world racing genre for the first time, while giving Maverick a seasoned publishing ally after an earlier partnership fell through. In early 2024, Maverick Games had initially signed a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the game that would later be known as Clutch. However, Amazon chose to dissolve the arrangement 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 partner that could share its long‑term vision for the intellectual property and help shepherd the title to a successful launch. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick Games, explained to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio has been "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 Maverick’s commitment to finding a publishing partner whose goals match its own aspirations for Clutch, and it foreshadows further announcements as the development timeline progresses. Focus Entertainment’s own statement highlighted the strategic value of the deal: 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 an open‑world, high‑speed title to its catalog, Focus hopes to diversify its offerings and tap into a market segment that has historically been dominated by a handful of heavyweight franchises.
The game is slated for release in the spring of 2027 on the major current‑generation consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC. This multi‑platform launch strategy aims to capture a broad audience of racing enthusiasts, from console loyalists to PC gamers who appreciate the genre’s technical depth. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership’s creative rationale: "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 comments signal that Focus sees Maverick’s leadership—particularly Mike Brown’s track record—as a key factor in the decision to back the project.
Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, echoed this sentiment, stating: "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 highlight the studio’s original mission: to craft an expansive, immersive racing environment that goes beyond the traditional circuit‑based formats that dominate the market.
The partnership also situates Clutch within the broader ecosystem of Pullup Entertainment, the parent company of Focus Entertainment. Pullup oversees three primary divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios that includes Deck13, Streumon, Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This network provides Maverick with access to a wealth of technical expertise, marketing resources, and distribution channels that can help ensure Clutch reaches its intended audience. Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a group of former Playground Games developers, a studio best known for the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
Mike Brown, who previously served as creative director on several Forza Horizon installments, brings a deep understanding of open‑world racing design to the new venture. His experience with the Horizon franchise—renowned for its blend of realistic vehicle physics, vibrant open environments, and a strong sense of community—provides a solid foundation for the ambitious goals set for Clutch.
While the core premise of Clutch remains under wraps, the information released suggests a focus on delivering a living, breathing world where players can explore diverse landscapes, engage in spontaneous street races, and customize their vehicles in unprecedented ways. The developers have hinted at a dynamic weather system, a day‑night cycle, and a variety of vehicle classes ranging from classic muscle cars to high‑performance hypercars, all designed to give players a sense of freedom and personalization rarely seen in the genre. Industry analysts view the partnership as a strategic win‑win. For Focus Entertainment, Clutch represents a diversification move that could open new revenue streams and attract a demographic that may not have been fully tapped by its existing portfolio, which leans heavily toward narrative‑driven and action‑oriented titles.
For Maverick, aligning with a publisher that has both the financial backing and the distribution muscle of Pullup Entertainment provides a safety net that can mitigate the risks inherent in developing a high‑budget, open‑world title. The timeline leading up to the spring 2027 launch will likely involve several key milestones: a closed beta to gather player feedback, a series of gameplay showcases at major industry events such as E3 and Gamescom, and a robust marketing campaign that leverages both traditional advertising and community‑driven outreach. Given the competitive nature of the racing market—where franchises like Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, and the Forza series dominate—Maverick and Focus will need to differentiate Clutch through innovative gameplay mechanics, a compelling narrative backdrop, and a polished visual aesthetic.
In summary, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment signals a bold entry into the open‑world racing arena. With a seasoned leadership team, a clear vision for an immersive racing experience, and the backing of a well‑established publishing house, Clutch is poised to become a noteworthy contender when it hits shelves in spring 2027. The partnership not only fills the gap left by Amazon’s departure but also sets the stage for a new racing IP that could redefine player expectations for freedom, creativity, and excitement on the road.