Focus Entertainment has announced a major publishing partnership with independent racing studio Maverick Games for its upcoming open-world action racer, Clutch. The deal, confirmed via an official announcement, marks a sIGNificant shift for the project, which was previously set to be published by Amazon before that company backed out earlier this year.
The partnership gives Focus Entertainment its first foothold in the open-world racing space, a notable expansion for the publisher known for titles like A Plague Tale and SnowRunner. For Maverick Games, the deal secures a new home for Clutch, a game described as a blend of circuit racing, street racing, and over-the-top action sequences in the vein of Fast & Furious.
According to the announcement, Clutch is targeting a release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC sometime in early to mid-2027.
What Is Clutch?
Clutch is set in an open world inspired by the French Riviera, with a map that encompasses Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. The game promises a mix of high-speed circuit racing and street racing, punctuated by heist-style missions and cinematic action. One of its more distinctive mechanics is a grappling hook that can slingshot a player’s car around tight corners, adding a unique twist to the driving model.
The project is being led by Maverick Games, a studio founded in 2022 by veterans of Forza Horizon developer Playground Games. The team’s pedigree in the racing genre is a key part of the appeal, according to Focus Entertainment.
“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,” said Vincent Chataignier, deputy CEO of Focus Entertainment, in a statement.
A New Publisher After Amazon’s Exit
The new partnership comes after a period of uncertainty for Clutch. Maverick Games had initially partnered with Amazon to publish the title, but Amazon backed out earlier this year, citing a “strategic evolution” as the reason for the decision. That exit left the project without a publisher until now.
Focus Entertainment’s involvement not only provides Clutch with a publishing home but also signals the company’s intent to grow its portfolio in the racing genre. The publisher described the deal as a “major publishing partnership,” underscoring the significance it places on the project.
What This Means for the Racing Genre
The partnership is a notable development for the racing genre, which has seen a mix of consolidation and new entrants in recent years. Maverick Games’ pedigree, combined with Focus Entertainment’s publishing resources, could position Clutch as a contender in the open-world racing space when it launches.
For now, details on gameplay systems, online features, and the full scope of the open world remain limited. The game’s 2027 release window suggests a lengthy development cycle ahead, but the new publishing deal provides clarity on the project’s path to market.
As Clutch continues development, fans of arcade-style racers will be watching closely to see how Maverick Games translates its Forza Horizon experience into a more action-oriented package.
