Amazon Game Studios has terminated its publishing agreement with Maverick Games for an upcoming narrative-led racing game. The decision aligns with Amazon's shift away from triple-A titles toward projects like Luna and Tomb Raider. Maverick Games, founded by former Forza Horizon developers, is seeking a new publisher while continuing development.
Amazon Game Studios announced on February 25, 2026, that it will no longer publish the upcoming narrative-led driving game from Maverick Games. First reported by The Games Business, the project was initially revealed in 2024 under Amazon's publishing umbrella. The game has not been cancelled, and the UK-based studio is actively looking for a new partner.
In a statement to The Games Business, an Amazon spokesperson explained: "As part of our strategic evolution to focus on projects that leverage Amazon's unique strengths and scale, including the recent re-launch of Luna and our Tomb Raider franchise partnership with Crystal Dynamics, we have decided to release Maverick Games from their publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios. We have tremendous respect for the Maverick Games team and the compelling narrative-led driving experience they're creating. This decision allows Maverick Games the flexibility to find a publishing partner whose strategic priorities are better aligned with bringing their game to market. We're proud of what we accomplished together during our partnership and wish them every success in the future."
Maverick Games was founded in 2022 by veterans from Playground Games, including Mike Brown, who served as creative director on Forza Horizon 5. The studio aims to develop a premium open-world game for consoles and PC. Maverick confirmed the end of the partnership and stated it remains committed to the project, currently in talks with potential new publishers.
This move continues Amazon's retreat from ambitious triple-A development. Recent actions include decimating teams on the MMORPG New World and an in-development Lord of the Rings MMO, as well as shutting down the multiplayer co-op game King of Meat this week—joining earlier cancellations of Crucible and Breakaway. Amazon also saw the departure of division chief Christoph Hartmann. Despite these changes, it continues publishing two upcoming Tomb Raider titles, Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider Catalyst, from Crystal Dynamics, and handles the western release of the MMORPG Lost Ark by Smilegate.
