Amazon Withdraws as Publisher for Ex-Forza Horizon Team's Open-World Driving Game

Amazon has decided to step away from publishing the upcoming open-world driving game from UK studio Maverick Games, according to a report from The Game Business.

In an official statement, Amazon explained the move as part of a strategic shift to concentrate on projects that better utilize the company's resources and scale. This includes initiatives like the recent relaunch of Luna and the partnership with Crystal Dynamics on the Tomb Raider franchise. "We have decided to release Maverick Games from their publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios," the statement read.

Amazon expressed high regard for the Maverick Games team and the narrative-focused driving experience they are developing. The company noted that this decision gives Maverick Games the freedom to seek a publishing partner whose goals are more closely aligned with bringing the game to market. "We're proud of what we accomplished together during our partnership and wish them every success in the future," Amazon added.

Despite this setback, the project is far from over. Maverick Games co-founder Mike Brown confirmed on social media that development is moving forward robustly, with plans to reveal more details about the game later this year.

Maverick Games was established in 2022 after several key staff members left Playground Games, the studio behind the Forza Horizon series. The founding team includes former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, along with producer Tom Butcher, technical director Matt Craven, technical art director Gareth Harwood, audio director Fraser Stachan, and art director Ben Penrose. In January 2023, it was announced that the team was working on a "premium open-world game for consoles and PC."

Amazon's collaboration with Maverick Games on this "narrative-led open-world driving" title was first announced in mid-2004.