French publisher Focus Entertainment has announced a new partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing title, Clutch, to market. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, as Focus expands its catalogue into the open‑world racing genre while Maverick secures a seasoned publishing partner after an earlier arrangement fell through.
In early 2024 Maverick Games entered into a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the then‑unrevealed project that would later become Clutch. However, Amazon decided to end the partnership earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better exploit the company’s unique capabilities and scale. The decision left Maverick seeking a new ally that could support its vision for an expansive, open‑world racing experience. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, told 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 home that not only provides financial backing but also aligns with its creative goals for Clutch.
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." The French publisher sees the title as a chance to diversify its offerings, which have traditionally focused on narrative‑driven action and adventure games. The game is slated for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, positioning it to reach a broad audience across the major current‑generation platforms. Both companies have hinted that the title will feature a richly detailed world, a variety of vehicles, and a progression system that rewards exploration and skill.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership, saying, "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 publisher’s confidence in Maverick’s leadership and its potential to innovate within a crowded market.
Maverick’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, 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 comment reflects a long‑standing passion for open‑world design, a concept he previously explored while serving as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series. The background of both companies adds further context to the deal.
Focus Entertainment is a French publishing house that operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment. Pullup’s structure includes three core 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 robust pipeline of resources, from marketing expertise to technical support, that can be leveraged to promote and sustain Clutch post‑launch.
Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers. The studio’s pedigree includes key talent that helped shape the Forza Horizon franchise, a series renowned for its seamless blend of realistic driving physics and vibrant, open‑world environments. Brown’s experience as creative director on those titles equips him with a deep understanding of what makes an open‑world racing game compelling: dynamic weather systems, diverse terrain, a sense of freedom, and a progression loop that keeps players engaged over long periods.
The transition from Amazon to Focus also illustrates a broader trend in the industry where developers seek publishing partners that can offer more than just distribution. While Amazon’s decision was driven by a desire to focus on projects that align with its own strategic strengths, Focus appears eager to invest in creative risk‑taking and genre‑defining experiences. This alignment of vision may prove advantageous for Clutch, allowing Maverick to retain greater creative control while benefiting from Focus’s established relationships with retailers, digital storefronts, and media outlets. Looking ahead, both parties anticipate that Clutch will not only fill a gap in the current market—where open‑world racing titles are relatively scarce—but also set a new benchmark for the genre.
The game is expected to feature a living, breathing world where players can freely roam, discover hidden events, and compete in a variety of race formats ranging from street sprints to off‑road endurance challenges. Early concept art suggests a stylized aesthetic that balances realism with a vibrant, almost cinematic flair. In addition to the core gameplay loop, Maverick has hinted at robust multiplayer components, including cooperative missions and competitive leaderboards that will encourage community interaction.
The studio also plans to support post‑launch content through downloadable expansions, seasonal events, and possibly user‑generated content tools, ensuring the world of Clutch remains fresh and engaging long after the initial release. Overall, the partnership between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a strategic alignment of creative ambition and publishing expertise. With a release window set for Spring 2027, the industry will be watching closely to see how Clutch delivers on its promise of an immersive, open‑world racing adventure that could redefine player expectations for the genre.