Former Forza Horizon Developers Secure New Publisher for Ambitious Open-World Racer ‘Clutch’
The future of Clutch, the highly anticipated open-world racing title from Maverick Games, has been secured. After a period of uncertainty regarding its publishing deal, the studio—which is composed of industry veterans behind the acclaimed Forza Horizon series—has officially announced a new partnership with Focus Entertainment.
A Fresh Start for Maverick Games
When Clutch was first unveiled earlier this year, it was slated to be published by Amazon. However, that agreement eventually fell through, leaving many fans concerned about the project’s development path. The new partnership with Focus Entertainment marks a significant turning point, providing the team with the necessary backing to bring their vision to fruition.
“At Focus, we look to partner with creators who are redefining their genre,” said Vincent Chataignier, Deputy CEO at 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.”
Mike Brown, the founder and CEO of Maverick Games, 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.”
High-Octane Concept and Controversial Gadgets
Clutch promises to blend traditional high-stakes motorsports with a gritty underground scene. The game follows a brother-and-sister duo navigating the treacherous waters of competitive racing, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of an open-world French Riviera.
While the game features a roster of licensed vehicles, it distinguishes itself from the Forza franchise with a more unconventional approach to gameplay. Some of these vehicles come equipped with wild, arcade-style gadgets—most notably high-mobility grapple hooks. This design choice has already proven to be promisingly divisive among the racing community, as some purists question how these tools will impact the core driving experience.
Looking Ahead
With a major publisher now firmly in its corner, Maverick Games can focus on refining the title for its upcoming release. For racing fans who have been following the trajectory of this talented team, the news of this partnership serves as a strong signal that Clutch is on track to cross the finish line with the resources it needs to make an impact.
As the industry continues to watch, all eyes remain on the French Riviera. Will the marriage of realistic physics and outlandish gadgetry pay off? We’ll find out when Clutch makes its way to PS5 and other platforms.
Are you excited to see what the former Forza developers have in store? Let us know your thoughts on the addition of gadgets like grapple hooks in the comments section below!
