French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a publishing partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural open‑world racing title, Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies: it gives Focus its first foothold in the open‑world racing genre, while providing Maverick with a seasoned publishing ally after an earlier arrangement fell through.
In early 2024 Maverick Games struck a deal with Amazon Game Studios to co‑publish the as‑yet‑unnamed racing project. However, Amazon chose to dissolve 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 partner that shared its long‑term vision for the intellectual property.
Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio is now engaged in “active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP and look forward to sharing more later this year.” Those discussions ultimately led to the agreement with Focus Entertainment, a publisher with a growing portfolio of high‑profile titles and a reputation for supporting ambitious, genre‑defining projects. Focus Entertainment’s publishing division welcomed the deal, stating 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.” The publisher sees the partnership as an opportunity to diversify its offerings and to work with a development team that is pushing the boundaries of what a racing game can be.
Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game promises an expansive, open‑world environment where players can explore a richly detailed landscape, customize vehicles, and engage in high‑speed competition across a variety of terrains and weather conditions. According to the developers, the title will blend the visceral thrill of street racing with the freedom and immersion of an open‑world sandbox, aiming to set a new benchmark for the genre. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, explained the company’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 comments underscore the publisher’s belief that Maverick’s vision aligns closely with Focus’s own goals of nurturing innovative, high‑quality experiences. Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, 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 statement highlights the studio’s dedication to delivering a game that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of racing enthusiasts.
Focus Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a larger media group that oversees three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios. Among these studios are Deck13, known for narrative‑driven action titles; Streumon, which specializes in tactical shooters; Twelve Tenths, an indie‑focused studio; Leikir Studio; Blackmill; Dovetail; and Carpool Studio. This network provides Focus with a broad base of talent and resources that can be leveraged to support Maverick’s development needs, from technical assistance to marketing expertise. Maverick Games was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers, bringing together a wealth of experience from the acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
Mike Brown himself previously served as creative director on several Forza Horizon installments, where he helped shape the franchise’s signature blend of realistic car physics and vibrant, open‑world environments. This background informs the design philosophy behind Clutch, which aims to capture the same sense of freedom and excitement while introducing new gameplay mechanics and a fresh artistic direction.
The transition from Amazon to Focus as a publishing partner reflects a broader trend in the industry where developers seek publishers that can offer more than just financial backing. They look for partners who understand the creative vision, can provide strategic marketing support, and have the infrastructure to handle multi‑platform releases. Focus’s commitment to genre‑defining projects and its established relationships with platform holders position it well to help Maverick navigate the complex launch landscape slated for 2027.
In addition to the core game, Maverick and Focus have hinted at a suite of post‑launch content plans, including downloadable expansions, seasonal events, and community‑driven features that will keep the world of Clutch evolving long after the initial release. By fostering an active player community and delivering regular updates, the partnership aims to build a lasting franchise that can compete with long‑standing racing series. Overall, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment signals a promising future for Clutch. With a seasoned publishing partner, a development team rooted in racing expertise, and a clear vision for an open‑world experience, the title is poised to make a significant impact when it arrives in the spring of 2027.