In a surprising turn of events, Amazon Game Studios has announced the termination of its publishing agreement with Maverick Games, a UK-based developer known for its work on an upcoming open-world racing game. The decision comes as Amazon shifts its focus towards projects that align more closely with the company’s strengths and scale, such as the recent re-launch of Luna and the partnership with Crystal Dynamics for the Tomb Raider franchise.
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Maverick Games, founded in 2022 by racing game veterans including former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown and former Sega Hardlight and Sumo Leamington boss Harinder Sangha, is now seeking new publishing partners to bring their AAA racing game to market. The game, currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, promises a compelling narrative-led driving experience that has garnered attention from both players and industry insiders.
Public reactions to the news have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment at the dissolution of the partnership between Amazon and Maverick Games, while others are hopeful that the developer will find a new publishing deal that better suits their long-term ambitions for the game. On social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, discussions are buzzing with speculation about the future of the racing game and the potential impact of Amazon’s decision on the gaming landscape.
Industry commentators have weighed in on the situation, with some highlighting the challenges faced by developers in securing publishing deals in an increasingly competitive market. The move by Amazon Game Studios to end its agreement with Maverick Games raises questions about the dynamics of publisher-developer relationships and the importance of strategic alignment in bringing games to market successfully.
From a business perspective, the decision by Amazon Game Studios to part ways with Maverick Games underscores the complexities of game development and publishing, where shifting priorities and strategic considerations can impact the trajectory of a project. The move also sheds light on the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, where partnerships and collaborations play a crucial role in shaping the future of gaming experiences.
As the gaming community awaits further updates on the fate of Maverick Games’ open-world racing game, one thing is clear: the industry is in a constant state of flux, with developments like this one highlighting the challenges and opportunities that developers and publishers face in bringing innovative and engaging games to players around the world.
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References:
– GamesIndustry.biz: Amazon Game Studios ends publishing agreement with Maverick Games [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/amazon-game-studios-ends-publishing-agreement-with-maverick-games]
– VGChartz: Amazon to No Longer Publish Maverick Games Open-World Racing Game [https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467123/amazon-to-no-longer-publish-maverick-games-open-world-racing-game/]
– Push Square: Amazon Walks Away from Open World Racing Game from Ex-Forza Horizon Devs [https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/02/amazon-walks-away-from-open-world-racing-game-from-ex-forza-horizon-devs]
– PC Gamer: Amazon’s gaming walkback continues as it ends publishing deal for a new racing game being headed up by former Forza Horizon creative director [https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/amazons-gaming-walkback-continues-as-it-ends-publishing-deal-for-a-new-racing-game-being-headed-up-by-former-forza-horizon-creative-director/]
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