French publisher Focus Entertainment has entered into a publishing partnership with Maverick Games to bring the studio’s inaugural racing title, 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 the gaming sector. The origins of Clutch trace back to early 2024, when Maverick Games first struck a deal with Amazon Game Studios to develop the as‑yet‑unnamed project. That partnership was intended to leverage Amazon’s considerable resources and reach.
However, in a strategic shift, Amazon announced that it would be ending the agreement earlier this year, citing a desire to concentrate on initiatives that more directly exploit the company’s unique capabilities and scale. This decision left Maverick seeking a new publishing ally capable of supporting the ambitious open‑world racing experience they had envisioned. Harinder Sangha, co‑founder and chief operating officer of Maverick Games, explained to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio has been actively engaging with potential partners who share a long‑term commitment to the Clutch IP. "We are in active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP and look forward to sharing more later this year," Sangha said, indicating that the search for a publishing home was both deliberate and aligned with the studio’s broader goals.
Focus Entertainment’s decision to take on Clutch reflects its strategic intent to broaden its portfolio into the open‑world racing genre for the first time. In a statement, the company 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." This move underscores Focus’s confidence in the project’s potential to resonate with a global audience and to become a flagship title within its expanding catalog. The game is slated for release in the spring of 2027 and will be available on the latest generation of consoles—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—as well as on PC. This multi‑platform launch strategy aims to maximize reach and ensure that players across different ecosystems can experience the game’s expansive open‑world environments, dynamic weather systems, and high‑octane racing mechanics.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, elaborated on the partnership’s philosophy, 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 remarks emphasize the publisher’s desire to align with developers who push boundaries and innovate within established genres, positioning Clutch as a title that could set new standards for open‑world racing games.
Mike Brown, founder and chief executive officer of Maverick Games, echoed this sentiment, noting, "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 background includes serving as creative director on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series, giving him deep insight into what makes an open‑world racing game compelling.
His leadership, combined with the talent of his team, is expected to deliver a game that blends realistic vehicle physics with a richly detailed, living world. Focus Entertainment itself is a French publishing house operating under the umbrella of Pullup Entertainment. Pullup’s structure comprises three core divisions: Focus Entertainment Publishing, the Arcade Crew, and a collection of development studios such as Deck13, Streumon, Twelve Tenths, Leikir Studio, Blackmill, Dovetail, and Carpool Studio.
This diversified ecosystem provides a robust support network for publishing partners, offering everything from marketing expertise to technical assistance and post‑launch services. Maverick Games was founded in 2023 by a group of former Playground Games developers, bringing together a team with a strong pedigree in creating immersive racing experiences.
The studio’s formation was driven by a shared vision to craft an open‑world racing title that would go beyond the traditional circuit‑based formats, allowing players to explore vast, varied landscapes while engaging in high‑speed competition. The team’s experience on the Forza Horizon franchise informs their approach to world design, vehicle variety, and player agency. Clutch promises to deliver an expansive world where players can freely navigate diverse terrains—from coastal highways and mountain passes to bustling urban streets—each rendered with meticulous attention to detail. The game will feature a dynamic weather system that not only affects visual aesthetics but also influences vehicle handling, requiring players to adapt their driving style in real time.
Additionally, a robust progression system is planned, offering a deep customization suite for cars, ranging from performance upgrades to aesthetic modifications, allowing players to personalize their rides to suit both functional and stylistic preferences. Multiplayer components will also play a central role, with both competitive and cooperative modes designed to encourage community interaction.
Players will be able to form clubs, organize races, and partake in large‑scale events that blend the freedom of an open world with the excitement of structured competition. The developers have indicated that live‑service elements will be incorporated to keep the game fresh post‑launch, including seasonal content, new vehicle introductions, and evolving map features.
In summary, the partnership between Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment represents a convergence of creative ambition and publishing expertise. With a release targeted for spring 2027 on major consoles and PC, Clutch aims to set a new benchmark for open‑world racing games, delivering a richly detailed environment, sophisticated vehicle dynamics, and a vibrant online community. The combined experience of Maverick’s seasoned development team and Focus’s extensive publishing infrastructure positions Clutch to become a standout title in the racing genre and a potential cornerstone of both companies’ future growth.