Amazon Game Studios has decided to release UK-based developer Maverick Games from their publishing agreement, marking a shift in strategy for the tech and entertainment giant. The move impacts an unreleased, narrative-led open-world driving game spearheaded by industry veterans previously at Playground Games, the studio behind the acclaimed Forza Horizon series. This decision comes as Amazon refocuses on projects that align with its strengths, including the recent relaunch of its Luna game streaming service and its partnership with Crystal Dynamics on the Tomb Raider franchise.
The announcement, reported by multiple gaming news outlets, doesn’t signal the end of the road for the ambitious driving project. Maverick Games co-founder Mike Brown confirmed via social media that development is continuing “strongly,” and the team intends to share more details about the game later this year. The game is planned for release on consoles and PC, aiming to deliver a “premium” open-world experience.
Maverick Games was founded in 2022 after a number of key personnel departed Playground Games. The studio boasts a core team with extensive experience in the racing genre, including former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, producer Tom Butcher, technical director Matt Craven, technical art director Gareth Harwood, audio director Fraser Stachan, and art director Ben Penrose. Their collective expertise fueled expectations for a compelling and innovative driving experience.
Strategic Shift at Amazon Game Studios
Amazon’s decision reflects a broader recalibration within Amazon Game Studios. The company has recently scaled back several gaming initiatives, including cutting staff from its MMO development teams working on Recent World: Aeternum – which is slated to go offline in January 2027 – and an unannounced Lord of the Rings MMO. Amazon ceased operations on the co-op game King of Meat and sold the unreleased MOBA March of Giants to Ubisoft. The head of Amazon Game Studios, Christoph Hartmann, also left the firm last month, according to The Game Business.
Despite these changes, Amazon remains committed to the Tomb Raider franchise. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a reimagining of the original 1996 game, is scheduled for release this year, and Tomb Raider Catalyst, a new adventure, is planned for 2027. The company is also actively involved in the upcoming Tomb Raider television show, currently in production.
Seeking a New Publishing Partner
The open-world driving game, initially unveiled in mid-2004, is described as a “narrative-led” experience for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X. Maverick Games is now actively seeking a new publishing partner whose strategic priorities are better aligned with bringing the game to market. According to a statement released by Amazon, the company has “tremendous respect” for the Maverick Games team and the project they are creating.
“We’re grateful to Amazon Games for their partnership and collaboration,” said Mike Brown and studio head Harinder Sangha in a joint statement. “Development of our debut title continues to progress as strongly as planned. We’re in active dialogue with partners who share our long-term ambition for the [intellectual property] and look forward to sharing more later this year.”
The move highlights the evolving landscape of game publishing, where even major players like Amazon are reassessing their strategies and focusing on core strengths. The future of Maverick Games’ open-world driving game now hinges on securing a new publishing agreement that can provide the necessary resources and support to bring their vision to fruition.
What comes next for Maverick Games will be closely watched by industry observers and fans of the open-world driving genre. The studio’s ability to identify a suitable publishing partner will be crucial in determining the game’s ultimate fate and release date. Share your thoughts on this development in the comments below, and let us know what you’d like to witness from Maverick Games’ upcoming title.
