Former creators of Forza Horizon are releasing an ambitious racing game without a publisher: Amazon Games plans a different path

Amazon refuses to publish Maverick Games’ debut title

The British studio Maverick Games – whose co‑founders previously worked at Playground Games and is led by former *Forza Horizon* series head Mike Brown – announced that its ambitious debut project has gone without a publisher.

Brief history
Stage | Information | Foundation 2022 – Maverick Games began work on its own AAA project
Project | Racing game with an open world and strong narrative
Partnership | In March 2024 Amazon Games announced it would launch the project as a publisher

What changed
According to *The Game Business*, Amazon revised its plans to publish Maverick Games’ title, stating that the company’s “strategic evolution” required finding a partner whose priorities better aligned with bringing the product to market.

> “We want our partner to better align with our goals for releasing this game.” – said in an official Amazon statement.

How Maverick Games is reacting
* Mike Brown and COO Harinder Sanghoy confirmed that the team continues development and is actively negotiating with potential publishers.

* New details are expected in 2026.

> “We have immense respect for the Maverick Games team and the thrilling narrative race they’re creating… We’re proud of what we’ve achieved within our partnership, and wish them success in the future.” – quote from Amazon’s statement.

Broader context
* Amazon cut spending on game development and publishing:

* sold Ubisoft’s unreleased March of Giants (MOBA);

* shut down cooperative platformer King of Meat;

* plans to close New World: Aeternum.

* Meanwhile, Amazon continues work on other major projects:

* publisher for two Crystal Dynamics titles – *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis* (2026) and *Tomb Raider Catalyst* (2027);

* supports the gaming cloud service Luna.

Conclusion
While Maverick Games searches for a new partner, Amazon keeps reorganizing its game portfolio while investing in other large projects. More detailed information about the fate of the studio’s debut project is expected only in 2026.