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: Focus expands its catalogue with a first‑ever entry into the open‑world racing genre, while Maverick secures a publishing home after a recent change of partners.
In early 2024 Maverick Games entered into a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for a project that had not yet been publicly revealed. However, Amazon decided to end the arrangement earlier this year, stating that it needed to concentrate on initiatives that make the most of Amazon’s distinctive capabilities and scale.
The decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing ally that shared its long‑term vision for the IP. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio is now in "active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP and look forward to sharing more later this year." This sentiment underscores Maverick’s commitment to finding a partner that not only provides financial backing but also aligns with the creative direction and ambition behind Clutch. Focus Entertainment responded enthusiastically, 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 way to diversify its offerings, which have traditionally focused on narrative‑driven and action‑oriented experiences. By adding an expansive, open‑world racing game, Focus hopes to attract a broader audience and demonstrate its flexibility as a publishing partner.
The game itself is slated for a spring 2027 launch across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Set in a richly detailed open world, Clutch promises players the freedom to explore diverse environments, from sprawling urban landscapes to rugged countryside roads, all while competing in high‑octane races that blend realistic vehicle dynamics with arcade‑style thrills.
The developers have described the world as "living" – populated with dynamic weather, day‑night cycles, and AI‑driven traffic that reacts to the player’s actions, creating a sense of immersion rarely seen in the racing genre. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, explained the rationale behind 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 publisher’s strategy of aligning with studios that push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to established genres. Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, added his own 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 background includes a tenure as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, giving him deep insight into what makes open‑world racing compelling. His experience is expected to translate into a game that balances technical fidelity with the sense of freedom that fans of the genre crave.
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 several high‑profile racing titles, and their collective expertise is a key factor in attracting a publisher like Focus.
The studio’s mission statement emphasizes innovation, player agency, and a commitment to delivering experiences that feel both authentic and exhilarating. Focus Entertainment, a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, 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 structure gives Focus a robust pipeline of talent and resources, enabling it to support a wide range of projects from indie experiments to large‑scale AAA releases.
By adding Clutch to its portfolio, Focus not only diversifies its genre coverage but also strengthens its relationship with a studio that has a proven track record in racing game development. The transition from Amazon to Focus also reflects broader industry trends where mid‑size publishers are increasingly stepping in to support niche but ambitious projects. While Amazon’s strategic focus may have shifted toward cloud‑based services and large‑scale live‑ops titles, Focus is positioning itself as a champion for creative risk‑takers who aim to carve out new sub‑genres within established categories.
Looking ahead, both companies anticipate a collaborative development process that will see regular updates, community engagement, and possibly early access testing phases to refine gameplay mechanics and world design. The partnership is expected to leverage Focus’s publishing expertise—marketing, distribution, and platform relationships—while allowing Maverick to retain creative control over the core vision of Clutch. In summary, the Maverick‑Focus alliance signals a promising future for Clutch, a game that aspires to redefine open‑world racing.
With a spring 2027 release window, the title is poised to capture the attention of racing enthusiasts and open‑world explorers alike, offering a fresh, immersive experience that blends the best of both worlds. The collaboration also illustrates how strategic publishing partnerships can revive projects after setbacks, ensuring that innovative ideas continue to reach players across the globe.