French publishing house Focus Entertainment has entered into a 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 it combines Maverick’s fresh creative vision with Focus’s established distribution network and experience in publishing a diverse slate of games. The origins of Clutch trace back to early 2024, when Maverick Games first aligned itself with Amazon Game Studios.
At that time the title was still under wraps, and the partnership was intended to leverage Amazon’s extensive resources and global reach. However, Amazon later decided to end the agreement, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that more directly exploit the company’s unique technological strengths and scale. The decision left Maverick searching for a new publishing home for its ambitious open‑world racing venture.
In the wake of Amazon’s withdrawal, Maverick’s co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha disclosed to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio has been actively engaging with potential partners who share a long‑term vision for the Clutch intellectual property. Sangha emphasized that discussions are ongoing and that Maverick expects to reveal further details about the partnership later in the year. This proactive outreach ultimately led to the current arrangement with Focus Entertainment, a publisher eager to expand its portfolio into the open‑world racing niche.
Focus Entertainment’s leadership expressed enthusiasm for the deal, noting that publishing Clutch will diversify the company’s offerings by adding its first foray into an open‑world racing experience. In a statement, the publisher highlighted a mutual ambition to craft a standout product that can become a flagship racing franchise. Deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, Vincent Chataignier, elaborated on the company’s philosophy of aligning with creators who are pushing the boundaries of their genres. He praised Mike Brown and his development team as “defining creative voices in the racing genre,” and asserted that Clutch perfectly encapsulates the type of innovative ambition Focus aims to champion.
Mike Brown, the founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, echoed this sentiment. He explained that the studio was founded with the explicit goal of delivering an open‑world racing experience that had long been a personal dream. Brown added that Focus’s commitment to high creative standards and its belief in the project’s potential made the partnership a natural fit. He conveyed excitement about the prospect of players worldwide exploring the expansive, meticulously crafted world that Clutch promises to offer.
Clutch is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on the major current‑generation platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game is positioned to compete with other open‑world titles by offering a seamless blend of high‑octane racing, detailed vehicle customization, and a living, dynamic environment that reacts to player actions. While specific gameplay mechanics have yet to be fully disclosed, the development team has hinted at features such as dynamic weather systems, a persistent economy for car upgrades, and a narrative framework that ties together the various racing events across the game’s sprawling map.
The partnership also benefits from Focus Entertainment’s broader corporate structure. Focus is a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a conglomerate 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 titles like "The Surge" series; Streumon, creators of "The Cycle: Frontier"; Twelve Tenths, developers of "The Last Oricru"; Leikir Studio; Blackmill; Dovetail; and Carpool Studio.
This network provides Maverick with access to a wealth of technical expertise, shared services, and cross‑studio collaboration opportunities that can accelerate development and polish. Maverick Games itself is a relatively new entrant in the industry, founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games veterans. The studio’s leadership brings a deep pedigree in racing game development, with Mike Brown having previously served as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
This background equips the team with a strong understanding of what makes open‑world racing compelling: a balance between accessible, fun‑focused gameplay and the depth that rewards dedicated players. The transition from working on an established franchise to building an original IP allows Maverick to experiment with new ideas, such as integrating player‑driven events, community‑generated content, and a more immersive simulation of car culture. In summary, the alliance between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a strategic convergence of creative ambition and publishing muscle.
By joining forces, the two companies aim to deliver Clutch as a landmark title that not only satisfies racing enthusiasts but also pushes the genre forward through innovative design, expansive world‑building, and a commitment to quality. As the spring 2027 launch window approaches, both studios have indicated that more information, including gameplay footage and beta testing opportunities, will be shared with the public, building anticipation for what could become a defining entry in the next generation of racing games.