French video game company Focus Entertainment Publishing, a subsidiary of PULLUP Entertainment, has signed a global publishing deal with British studio Maverick Games for its upcoming title, CLUTCH. The open-world action-driving game will release in spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Key Takeaways
- Focus Entertainment will publish CLUTCH globally in spring 2027.
- The game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
- Former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown leads development at Maverick Games.
- The story features a dual racing life set across the French Riviera.
- Television writer Jamie Brittain is writing the narrative campaign.
Open-World Racing on the French Riviera
Maverick Games, an independent development studio based in Royal Leamington Spa, England, was established in 2022 by former Playground Games developers. Studio head Mike Brown previously served as creative director on Forza Horizon 5. CLUTCH represents the studio’s debut release.
The game takes place across the roads, coastal highways, and mountain tracks of the French Riviera. Players control drivers who live a split lifestyle in the motorsport community. During daytime events, players compete in sanctioned track competitions known as the R1K pro circuit. After dark, drivers enter street races, police chases, and getaway challenges run by the Midnight Collective.
Screenwriter Jamie Brittain, co-creator of the television drama series Skins, wrote the story. The narrative focuses on two siblings, Theo and Cass Martial, who get drawn into conflicts between rival racing crews and corporate sponsors.
Gameplay and Mechanics
CLUTCH combines standard racing mechanics with open-world escape missions. The game includes a customization system called ClutchTech, which allows players to install experimental mechanical modifications and cosmetic upgrades to alter car handling and speed. Players must balance police attention with reputation points earned during illegal nighttime runs.
This project serves as Focus Entertainment’s initial entry into the open-world driving category. The publisher previously managed distribution for titles such as SnowRunner, A Plague Tale, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Maverick Games secured this agreement following its earlier departure from original partner Amazon Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the release date for CLUTCH?
A1. The game is scheduled to launch in spring 2027.
Q2. Which platforms will support CLUTCH?
A2. CLUTCH will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Q3. Who is developing the game?
A3. British studio Maverick Games is developing the game, led by former Forza Horizon director Mike Brown.
Q4. Who is publishing CLUTCH?
A4. Focus Entertainment Publishing, a division of PULLUP Entertainment, is publishing the title.
Q5. Does CLUTCH feature a single-player story mode?
A5. Yes, the game features a narrative campaign written by television writer Jamie Brittain that centers on siblings Theo and Cass Martial.
