Focus Entertainment has announced it has forged a “major publishing partnership” with independent racing studio Maverick Games for its upcoming project, Clutch. The company notes the deal “strengthens Focus Entertainment’s portfolio with its first entry into the open-world racing space.”
“At Focus, we look to partner with creators who are redefining their genre,” said Focus deputy CEO Vincent Chataignier in a statement published in conjunction with the announcement. “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.”
Clutch is set to arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC early- to mid-2027.
If you missed IGN’s previous coverage of Clutch, it’s a rather glorious-looking racing and driving game that merges circuit racing, street racing, and wild, Fast & Furious-style action and heists. Set in an open-world world inspired by the iconic Mediterranean coastline of the French Riviera, Clutch will feature a map that encompasses Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. With a heavy focus on customisation, Clutch will also boast a wild assortment of crazy car-based gadgets to use during its action-based missions, including a grappling hook that can slingshot your car around tight corners.
Founded in 2022 and spearheaded by a number of veterans of Forza Horizon developer Playground Games, Maverick Games had initially partnered with Amazon to publish Clutch. However, Amazon backed out of publishing the project earlier this year, citing the decision was part of a “strategic evolution.”
Luke is a Senior Editor on the IGN reviews team. You can track him down on Bluesky @mrlukereilly to ask him things about stuff.
