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: it gives Maverick a seasoned publishing ally for its first major release, and it adds an open‑world racing experience to Focus’s expanding catalogue. The origins of Clutch trace back to early 2024, when Maverick Games first struck a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios. At that time the game was still under wraps, and the partnership was intended to leverage Amazon’s extensive distribution network and technical resources.
However, Amazon announced earlier this year that it would be ending the arrangement, citing a strategic shift toward projects that more directly exploit 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 IP. 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 home that not only provides financial backing but also aligns with the creative direction and future roadmap of the Clutch franchise. Focus Entertainment welcomed the opportunity, emphasizing 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 natural extension of its strategy to diversify across genres while supporting innovative, high‑quality experiences.
By adding an open‑world, high‑octane racing game to its slate, Focus aims to attract a broader audience and compete with established franchises in the genre. Clutch is slated for a worldwide launch in the spring of 2027 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The developers have promised an expansive, seamless world where players can freely explore a variety of environments, from bustling city streets to rugged off‑road terrain, all while engaging in high‑speed competition.
The game’s design philosophy centers on giving players the freedom to create their own racing narratives, whether that means spontaneous street races, organized tournaments, or simply cruising through meticulously crafted landscapes. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, added his perspective on the partnership: "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 highlight the mutual respect between the two firms and suggest that Focus sees Maverick’s team as a catalyst for innovation within the racing sector.
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 background includes a tenure as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, giving him deep expertise in crafting expansive, player‑driven racing environments. His leadership, combined with the resources of Focus, positions Clutch to potentially become a landmark title that pushes the boundaries of what open‑world racing can offer. Focus Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a larger conglomerate that manages 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 games; Streumon, a studio focused on multiplayer experiences; Twelve Tenths, which specializes in indie‑style titles; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio, each contributing a unique set of skills to the group’s overall portfolio. This extensive network provides Maverick with access to a wealth of technical expertise, marketing channels, and cross‑studio collaboration opportunities that can enhance the development and promotion of Clutch. The formation of Maverick Games itself is a story of seasoned talent coming together.
The studio was founded in 2023 by a group of former developers from Playground Games, the studio behind the successful Forza Horizon franchise. Their collective experience in creating vibrant, open‑world racing experiences laid the groundwork for the ambitious vision that would become Clutch. By leveraging their insider knowledge of what makes a racing game compelling—dynamic weather systems, diverse vehicle customization, and a living world that reacts to player actions—Maverick aims to deliver a fresh take that resonates with both hardcore racers and casual gamers.
As development progresses, the team has hinted at several innovative features that could set Clutch apart. These include a deep vehicle modification system that allows players to tweak performance and aesthetics, a dynamic event engine that generates spontaneous challenges across the map, and a narrative layer that weaves personal stories of rival drivers and community events into the broader racing experience. Additionally, the game is expected to support robust multiplayer modes, ranging from split‑screen local play to large‑scale online tournaments, ensuring that the community can engage with the title in a variety of ways. In summary, the partnership between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a strategic alignment of creative vision and publishing muscle.
With Amazon Game Studios stepping away earlier in the year, Maverick found a new ally that not only believes in the potential of Clutch but also possesses the infrastructure to bring it to a global audience. As the spring 2027 release approaches, anticipation is building among fans of open‑world racing, and industry observers will be watching closely to see whether Clutch can fulfill its promise of redefining the genre.