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 as they aim to introduce a fresh, open‑world racing experience to gamers worldwide. Earlier in 2024, Maverick Games had initially secured a publishing arrangement with Amazon Game Studios for the same yet‑to‑be‑announced title. However, Amazon chose to dissolve the agreement earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward projects that better exploit the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
This decision left Maverick searching for a new partner that shared its long‑term vision for the IP. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick, explained to 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." The search quickly led to Focus Entertainment, a publisher eager to expand its portfolio into the open‑world racing genre.
Focus Entertainment’s statement highlighted 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 company sees the title as a chance to diversify its offerings and to support a project that promises to push the boundaries of what racing games can achieve. Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The developers have promised an expansive open world that blends high‑octane street racing with deep customization options, dynamic weather systems, and a living city that reacts to the player’s actions. Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, added, "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 underscores the publisher’s confidence in Maverick’s leadership and creative direction.
Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, echoed the 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 vision for Clutch stems from a desire to move beyond the circuit‑based, linear tracks that dominate many contemporary racing titles, instead offering players a sprawling urban playground where every street corner could become a race line.
Focus Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a French media group that oversees 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 tactical shooters; Twelve Tenths, an indie‑focused developer; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio, each contributing a distinct flavor to Pullup’s diverse portfolio.
Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games veterans. The studio’s leadership includes several key figures who previously contributed to the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Mike Brown, in particular, served as creative director on multiple Forza Horizon entries, gaining valuable experience in crafting open‑world racing environments that blend realistic vehicle physics with vibrant, accessible gameplay. This background informs the design philosophy behind Clutch, where the goal is to marry the technical precision of simulation‑style racing with the freedom and spectacle of arcade‑style open worlds.
The transition from Amazon to Focus as a publishing partner also reflects broader industry trends. Large tech‑driven publishers like Amazon are increasingly focusing on titles that leverage their cloud infrastructure, AI capabilities, or integration with broader ecosystem services.
Meanwhile, more traditional game publishers such as Focus are doubling down on genre‑specific expertise and relationships with independent studios that can deliver niche yet high‑quality experiences. For Maverick, this shift means a partnership that is more aligned with its creative aspirations and less constrained by the commercial imperatives of a tech conglomerate. Looking ahead, both Maverick and Focus are planning a series of marketing initiatives to build anticipation for Clutch. These include developer diaries, behind‑the‑scenes looks at the world‑building process, and early access playtests for select community members.
The aim is to cultivate a passionate fan base well before the 2027 launch, ensuring that when the game finally arrives, it will have a ready audience eager to explore its streets. In summary, the alliance between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a strategic alignment of vision and capability. With a seasoned team led by industry veterans, a clear focus on delivering an innovative open‑world racing experience, and the backing of a publisher eager to break into this segment, Clutch is positioned to become a noteworthy entrant in the racing genre when it hits stores in spring 2027.