French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing project, titled Clutch, to market. This collaboration marks a significant step for both companies: Focus expands its catalogue into the open‑world racing genre, while Maverick secures a seasoned publishing partner after an earlier arrangement fell through. In early 2024, Maverick Games initially struck a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for the then‑secret racing title.
However, Amazon chose to dissolve the partnership earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward projects that better exploit the company’s distinctive capabilities and scale. The decision left Maverick searching for a new ally who could share its long‑term vision for the intellectual property. 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.” This statement underscores Maverick’s commitment to finding a publishing partner aligned with its creative goals and its confidence that a suitable match would soon emerge. Focus Entertainment has stepped into that role, announcing 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 flagship addition that will diversify its offerings and cement its presence in a competitive market traditionally dominated by long‑standing franchises.
The game is slated for release in the spring of 2027 on the major current‑generation consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC. This multi‑platform launch strategy aims to reach the broadest possible audience of racing enthusiasts, from console loyalists to PC gamers who appreciate the flexibility and mod‑friendly environment that the platform provides. 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.” Chataignier’s comments highlight the publisher’s belief that Maverick’s leadership, particularly studio head Mike Brown, brings a fresh perspective that can push the boundaries of open‑world racing design. 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 remarks convey a deep personal investment in the project, reflecting his background as a former creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, where he helped shape some of the most beloved open‑world racing experiences to date. Focus Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, a larger media group that manages three core 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 titles; Streumon, a studio with a focus on tactical shooters; Twelve Tenths, which specializes in indie‑style experiences; Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio, each bringing unique expertise to the group’s diverse portfolio.
This extensive network provides Focus with a robust infrastructure for marketing, distribution, and post‑launch support, all of which will benefit Clutch’s rollout. Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of veterans from Playground Games, the studio behind the popular Forza Horizon franchise. The founders, including Brown, sought to create a studio that could pursue more experimental and ambitious ideas within the racing genre, free from the constraints often imposed by larger publishers. Their vision is to craft an expansive, living world where players can explore, race, and engage with a dynamic environment that reacts to their actions.
Clutch promises to deliver an open‑world setting that blends high‑octane street racing with a richly detailed urban landscape, offering players a sense of freedom rarely seen in traditional circuit‑based racers. The game will feature a variety of vehicle classes, from hyper‑tuned supercars to rugged off‑road machines, each meticulously modeled to reflect real‑world performance characteristics while also allowing for extensive customization. In addition to standard race events, Clutch will incorporate dynamic weather systems, day‑night cycles, and a living city populated by AI‑driven traffic and pedestrians, creating a backdrop that feels both immersive and alive. Beyond the core racing mechanics, the developers plan to integrate a progression system that rewards players for exploration, stunt performance, and community challenges.
Multiplayer modes will enable seamless drop‑in co‑op and competitive races, fostering a vibrant online community. The studio has also hinted at a narrative component that will unfold as players progress through the world, revealing the backstory of the city and its underground racing culture.
The partnership with Focus Entertainment is expected to provide Maverick with the resources necessary to realize these ambitious features, including funding for advanced graphics technology, marketing campaigns, and post‑launch content updates. Focus’s experience in publishing across multiple regions will also help ensure that Clutch reaches a global audience, with localized support and community engagement tailored to different markets. In summary, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a convergence of creative vision and publishing expertise. With a release targeted for spring 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Clutch aims to set a new benchmark for open‑world racing games, delivering an expansive, immersive experience that blends the thrill of high‑speed competition with the freedom of exploration.
The combined strengths of Maverick’s seasoned development team and Focus’s robust publishing infrastructure position Clutch to become a standout title in the racing genre, potentially establishing a fresh IP that could rival long‑standing franchises in both popularity and cultural impact.