French publisher 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, combining Focus’s publishing expertise with Maverick’s fresh creative vision for an open‑world racing experience. Initially, Maverick had struck a publishing arrangement with Amazon Game Studios back in 2024 when the game was still under wraps.
However, Amazon chose to dissolve the agreement earlier this year, citing a strategic shift toward initiatives that better exploit the company’s unique capabilities and scale. In a statement, Amazon explained that the decision was driven by a desire to concentrate resources on projects that align more closely with its core strengths. Following the split, Maverick co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha spoke to GamesIndustry.biz, emphasizing 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 sentiment underscores Maverick’s commitment to finding a publishing home that not only supports the game’s development but also aligns with its broader vision for the Clutch franchise.
Focus Entertainment, a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about adding Clutch to its catalog. The publisher noted that the title 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." By venturing into the open‑world racing genre, Focus aims to diversify its offerings and tap into a market segment that has seen growing consumer interest. The game is slated for a spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This timeline provides ample opportunity for both developers and the publishing team to refine gameplay mechanics, polish the expansive world, and ensure a smooth launch across all platforms.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership, saying, "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 highlights the respect that Focus has for Maverick’s leadership and their track record in the racing domain.
Maverick’s founder and chief executive officer, Mike Brown, added his 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 comments reflect a shared enthusiasm between the two companies and a mutual belief that the partnership will elevate the final product. Focus Entertainment operates under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment, which manages three primary divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios.
Among the studios affiliated with Pullup are Deck13, Streumon, Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio. This extensive network provides a robust infrastructure for supporting a wide range of game projects, from indie titles to large‑scale productions. Maverick Games itself was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers.
The studio’s leadership brings a wealth of experience from the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, where Mike Brown previously served as creative director. This background gives Maverick a strong foundation in crafting high‑quality, immersive racing experiences that blend realistic vehicle dynamics with vibrant, open‑world environments. The transition from Amazon to Focus as the publishing partner is expected to have several practical implications for Clutch’s development. With Focus’s dedicated publishing resources, Maverick will likely gain access to enhanced marketing support, distribution channels, and quality‑assurance services tailored to the unique demands of an open‑world racing title.
Moreover, Focus’s strategic focus on genre‑defining projects aligns well with Maverick’s ambition to create a game that stands out in a crowded market. Industry observers note that the shift also reflects a broader trend of specialized publishers stepping in to nurture niche IPs that larger conglomerates might deem too risky for their portfolios. By partnering with a publisher that has a clear interest in racing games, Maverick can concentrate on refining gameplay loops, expanding the world map, and delivering a compelling narrative that engages players beyond the typical lap‑time competition.
In anticipation of the 2027 launch, both companies have hinted at a series of announcements and teaser materials that will gradually reveal more about Clutch’s setting, vehicle roster, and gameplay innovations. Fans can expect insights into how the game will differentiate itself from existing titles, potentially through dynamic weather systems, a living city environment, and a progression system that rewards exploration as much as speed.
Overall, the collaboration between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a promising convergence of creative talent and publishing expertise. With a clear roadmap, a shared vision for a high‑caliber open‑world racing experience, and the backing of a publisher eager to expand into new territory, Clutch is positioned to become a notable entry in the racing genre when it arrives in the spring of 2027.