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: for Maverick, it is the first time the fledgling studio will see its debut title released under the banner of a dedicated publisher, while Focus expands its catalog with a new entry into the open‑world racing genre. The road to this partnership began in 2024, when Maverick Games initially struck a deal with Amazon Game Studios to develop the game, which at that time remained under wraps. However, Amazon decided to terminate the agreement earlier in the year, citing a strategic shift toward projects that more directly exploit the company’s unique capabilities and scale.
In a statement, Amazon explained that the decision was part of a broader effort to concentrate resources on initiatives that align closely with its core strengths. Following the Amazon exit, Maverick’s co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio promptly reopened discussions with other publishing partners who share a long‑term vision for the intellectual property. "We are actively engaged in conversations with partners who understand our ambition for the Clutch IP and who are eager to help us bring it to life," Sangha said, adding that more details would be revealed later in the year. Focus Entertainment welcomed the opportunity, emphasizing that publishing Clutch will "strengthen our portfolio with its first foray 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 company highlighted its commitment to backing creators who aim to push the boundaries of their respective genres.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership, stating, "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 high expectations placed on the project, given Brown’s reputation from his previous work on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Mike Brown, the founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, echoed this enthusiasm. "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," he said. Brown’s background includes a stint as creative director on the Forza Horizon franchise, a pedigree that lends credibility to the promise of an innovative, expansive racing title.
Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game is expected to feature a seamless open‑world environment, a diverse roster of vehicles, and a progression system that rewards both skillful driving and exploration. While specific gameplay mechanics have not yet been disclosed, the developers have hinted at a blend of realistic physics with arcade‑style freedom, aiming to appeal to both hardcore simulation fans and casual players.
The partnership also brings into focus the broader structure of Focus Entertainment. The company operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment and comprises 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 titles such as "The Surge" series; Streumon, creators of "Syndicate"; Twelve Tenths, developers of "The Last Oricru"; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This extensive network provides a robust support system for publishing endeavors, offering resources ranging from marketing and distribution to technical assistance and quality assurance.
Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers. The studio’s mission centers on delivering an open‑world racing experience that pushes the genre beyond the traditional circuit‑based formats. By leveraging the expertise of its founders—particularly Brown’s deep familiarity with open‑world design and vehicle dynamics—the studio aims to craft a world that feels alive, with dynamic weather, day‑night cycles, and a living ecosystem of traffic and events. The termination of the Amazon agreement, while initially a setback, ultimately opened the door for Maverick to align with a publisher whose strategic priorities more closely match the studio’s creative aspirations.
Focus Entertainment’s emphasis on genre‑defining projects and its willingness to invest in long‑term IP development suggests that Clutch will receive the level of support needed to realize its ambitious scope. Industry observers note that the timing of the partnership is significant.
The racing game market has seen a resurgence in recent years, driven by titles that blend realistic simulation with expansive, player‑driven worlds. Clutch’s open‑world approach positions it to compete with established franchises while offering a fresh perspective that could attract a new audience.
In summary, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a convergence of creative vision and publishing expertise. With a release target set for spring 2027 across major console and PC platforms, Clutch promises to deliver an immersive, open‑world racing experience that reflects the combined ambitions of its developers and publisher. The partnership also highlights Focus Entertainment’s strategy to diversify its portfolio and support innovative projects that have the potential to become flagship IPs within their respective genres.