French publisher Focus Entertainment has announced a new 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: it gives Maverick a seasoned publishing partner after an earlier arrangement with Amazon Game Studios fell through, and it adds an open‑world racing experience to Focus’s growing catalogue.
In early 2024, Maverick Games entered into a publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios for a game that had not yet been revealed to the public. That partnership was dissolved earlier in the year when Amazon decided to re‑focus its resources on initiatives that more directly exploit its own unique capabilities and scale. According to Amazon’s statement, the decision was driven by a strategic shift rather than any reflection on the quality or potential of Maverick’s project. Following the termination, Maverick’s co‑founder and chief operating officer Harinder Sangha told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio immediately began “active dialogue with partners who share our long‑term ambition for the IP.” He added that Maverick looks forward to delivering further details later in the year as the partnership with Focus solidifies and development progresses.
Focus Entertainment welcomed the opportunity, emphasizing 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 chance to diversify beyond its existing slate, which has traditionally focused on narrative‑driven and action‑oriented games. By adding an ambitious, open‑world racer, Focus hopes to attract a broader audience and demonstrate its willingness to back innovative, genre‑defining projects. 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 promises an expansive, seamless world where players can freely explore varied environments, compete in high‑speed events, and customize a wide range of vehicles. While specific gameplay mechanics remain under wraps, the developers have hinted at a blend of realistic driving physics with arcade‑style freedom, aiming to satisfy both hardcore sim enthusiasts and casual fans of fast‑paced action.
Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment Publishing, explained the publisher’s philosophy when selecting partners: “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 underscore the confidence Focus has in Maverick’s leadership and vision, especially given Brown’s reputation from his previous work on the acclaimed Forza Horizon series.
Maverick founder and chief executive officer Mike Brown echoed this sentiment, stating: “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 several Forza Horizon titles, where he helped shape the franchise’s signature blend of expansive, beautifully rendered environments and accessible yet deep driving mechanics.
Those experiences have informed the design philosophy behind Clutch, which aims to push the boundaries of what an open‑world racer can offer. Focus Entertainment itself is a French publishing house that operates as a subsidiary of Pullup Entertainment.
Pullup’s structure includes 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 network provides a robust ecosystem of resources, from funding and marketing to technical support and talent sharing, all of which Maverick can leverage as it brings Clutch to fruition. Maverick Games was founded in 2023 by a team of former Playground Games developers.
The studio’s inception was driven by a shared desire to create a new kind of racing experience—one that would combine the open‑world freedom popularized by titles like Forza Horizon with fresh narrative and progression systems. Since its formation, Maverick has assembled a multidisciplinary team of designers, programmers, artists, and writers, all focused on delivering a high‑quality product that stands out in a crowded market. The partnership with Focus not only secures a publishing pathway but also grants Maverick access to a global distribution network, extensive marketing expertise, and strategic guidance on monetization and post‑launch support. In return, Focus gains a flagship title that can serve as a cornerstone for its expansion into the racing genre, potentially paving the way for sequels, spin‑offs, or even live‑service extensions.
Industry observers note that the shift from Amazon to Focus reflects a broader trend of specialized publishers stepping in to nurture niche, high‑ambition projects that larger platforms may deem outside their core focus. By aligning with a publisher that has a proven track record of supporting creative risk‑taking, Maverick is positioned to maintain creative control while benefiting from the infrastructure needed to reach a worldwide audience.
As development continues, both companies have pledged to keep the community informed with regular updates, behind‑the‑scenes looks, and beta testing opportunities. The aim is to build anticipation and gather player feedback early, ensuring that the final product meets the high expectations set by the studio’s pedigree and the publisher’s commitment to quality.
In summary, the Maverick‑Focus partnership represents a strategic alignment of vision and capability. With a release target of spring 2027, Clutch is poised to become a landmark entry in the open‑world racing genre, blending the expertise of veteran developers with the publishing muscle of a seasoned French studio. Enthusiasts and newcomers alike can look forward to a fresh, immersive racing adventure that promises to redefine what players can expect from open‑world automotive games.