Focus Entertainment Publishing has officially entered the open-world racing genre, announcing a major publishing partnership with independent developer Maverick Games for its debut title, CLUTCH.
Led by former Forza Horizon series creative veteran Mike Brown, Leamington Spa–based Maverick Games was founded by industry creators aimed at pushing the genre forward. CLUTCH represents Focus Entertainment’s strategic push into high-profile open-world driving, with both companies aiming to establish the title as a flagship racing franchise.
The game is slated for release in Spring 2027 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
CLUTCH shifts away from traditional subgenre boundaries by immersing players in a distinct dual identity. By day, drivers compete in high-stakes, professional motorsport tournaments. By night, the game transitions into a high-volatility underground scene defined by illegal street racing, reputation building, and high-speed police pursuits.
Executives from both companies emphasised a shared vision to innovate within the driving landscape.
“At Focus, we look to partner with creators who are redefining their genre,” said Vincent Chataignier, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Focus Entertainment Publishing. “Mike Brown and his team are regarded as ones of the defining creative voices in the racing genre, and CLUTCH embodies exactly the creative ambition Focus Entertainment wants to champion.”
Mike Brown, Founder & CEO of Maverick Games, added: “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.”
The deal secures a major global publishing backbone for Maverick Games as production ramps up toward its 2027 launch window. Additional details, media updates, and store pages are currently live via the game’s official website and Steam.