French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing project, titled Clutch, to market. This collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, as it combines Focus’s publishing expertise with Maverick’s fresh creative vision for an open‑world racing experience. The journey of Clutch began in 2024 when Maverick Games initially secured a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios.
At that time, the game was still under wraps, and the partnership was seen as a promising avenue for bringing a new racing IP to a broad audience. However, earlier this year Amazon announced that it was ending the agreement, citing a strategic shift toward projects that better align with Amazon’s unique capabilities and scale.
The decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing partner that could support the ambitious scope of Clutch. In the wake of Amazon’s withdrawal, Maverick co‑founder and Chief Operating Officer Harinder Sangha 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 underscored Maverick’s commitment to finding a publisher that not only understood the technical demands of an open‑world racing title but also resonated with the creative direction the team envisioned. Focus Entertainment stepped into that role, announcing 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 highlighted that expanding into the open‑world racing genre aligns with its broader strategy of diversifying its catalogue and supporting innovative, genre‑defining projects. Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on the latest generation of consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC.
The game promises an expansive, living world where players can explore diverse environments, customize a wide range of vehicles, and engage in high‑octane races that blend realistic physics with arcade‑style fun. According to the developers, the title aims to push the boundaries of what players expect from racing games, offering a seamless blend of open‑world exploration and competitive racing.
Vincent Chataignier, Deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, explained the partnership’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." This endorsement reflects Focus’s confidence that Maverick’s team, led by industry veteran Mike Brown, can deliver a game that stands out in a crowded market. Mike Brown, founder and CEO 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 remarks highlight the studio’s long‑standing passion for creating a racing game that offers both depth and accessibility, a vision that has been nurtured since the company’s inception.
Maverick Games itself is a relatively new studio, formed in 2023 by a group of former Playground Games developers. The team’s pedigree includes work on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, where Brown previously served as creative director. This background gives Maverick a solid foundation in crafting expansive, visually stunning racing environments that emphasize player freedom and enjoyment. Focus Entertainment, a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, brings considerable publishing muscle to the table.
Pullup operates 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 Maverick with access to a broad range of resources, from marketing expertise to technical support, ensuring that Clutch can reach its full potential on launch. The partnership also signals a broader trend in the gaming industry where independent studios seek publishing partners that are willing to invest in ambitious, genre‑expanding titles. By aligning with Focus, Maverick gains a partner that not only understands the financial and logistical aspects of publishing but also appreciates the creative risks involved in developing an open‑world racing game.
Looking ahead, both companies are optimistic about the impact Clutch could have on the racing genre. The game’s open‑world design promises a level of immersion rarely seen in traditional racing titles, allowing players to discover hidden routes, dynamic weather systems, and a living ecosystem of AI‑driven traffic and events. This approach could set a new benchmark for future racing games, encouraging other developers to explore more expansive, narrative‑driven experiences within the genre.
In summary, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a melding of creative ambition and publishing expertise. With a release window set for spring 2027 on major platforms, Clutch is poised to become a flagship title for both studios, potentially reshaping expectations for open‑world racing games and establishing a new, enduring IP in the competitive gaming landscape.