Amazon is streamlining its gaming ambitions, stepping back from a publishing deal with UK-based Maverick Games, developers of an upcoming open-world driving game. The move signals a sharper focus for the tech giant on its Tomb Raider franchise, in partnership with Crystal Dynamics, and its cloud gaming platform, Luna. This decision follows a series of recent pullbacks from Amazon’s gaming ventures, including the shuttering of its New World and Lord of the Rings MMO divisions, and the closure of King of Meat.
The cancellation of the Maverick Games publishing agreement, first reported by The Game Business, is part of a “strategic evolution” according to an Amazon spokesperson. The company is prioritizing projects that “leverage Amazon’s unique strengths and scale,” a statement read. Even as Amazon is no longer directly involved in publishing the driving game, development is continuing, and Maverick Games is seeking a new partner to bring the title to market.
Maverick Games, founded in early 2023 by former developers from Playground Games – the studio behind the Forza Horizon series – confirmed that work on the game is progressing. Co-founder Mike Brown shared on social media that the team plans to share more information about the project later this year. The game is currently slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S and X.
A Shift in Strategy for Amazon Games
Amazon’s recent moves suggest a recalibration of its gaming strategy. The company initially signaled aggressive expansion into the space, but has since scaled back its ambitions, focusing on established franchises and its own platforms. The re-launch of Luna, Amazon’s cloud gaming service, is a key component of this revised approach. The partnership with Crystal Dynamics on future Tomb Raider titles represents a significant investment in a well-known and popular intellectual property.
This isn’t the first time Amazon has adjusted its gaming plans. The closure of Amazon Game Studios’ MMO divisions, working on titles like New World and a new Lord of the Rings game, demonstrated a willingness to abandon projects that didn’t align with its evolving strategy. The departure of Christoph Hartmann, division chief of King of Meat, further underscored this shift. The company’s decision to release Maverick Games reflects a similar pattern of prioritizing core strengths and streamlining its portfolio.
Who is Maverick Games?
Maverick Games was formed by a core team of developers with extensive experience on the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon franchise. The studio’s founders include Mike Brown, former creative director of Forza Horizon 5, alongside producer Tom Butcher, technical director Matt Craven, technical art director Gareth Harwood, audio director Fraser Stachan, and art director Ben Penrose. IGN reported in January 2023 that the team was developing a “premium open-world game for consoles and PC.”
The studio’s focus on a “narrative-led driving experience” distinguished it within the open-world genre. Amazon’s initial investment in the project, announced in mid-2004, signaled confidence in Maverick Games’ vision. However, the company’s evolving priorities have led to this parting of ways.
What’s Next for the Open-World Driving Game?
Despite losing Amazon’s publishing support, Maverick Games remains committed to completing its open-world driving game. The studio is actively seeking a new publishing partner to help bring the title to market. Brown’s statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, confirmed that development is “progressing strongly,” and that the team intends to share more details later in 2026.
The open-world driving game market is competitive, with established franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Forza Motorsport dominating the landscape. Maverick Games will need to find a publishing partner with the resources and expertise to effectively market and distribute its title. The studio’s pedigree, with its team of experienced Forza Horizon developers, positions it well to create a compelling and innovative driving experience. The search for a new publisher will be a critical step in determining the game’s ultimate success.
Amazon’s decision to focus on Luna and Tomb Raider reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry towards consolidation and a focus on established intellectual property. The company’s future gaming strategy will likely involve leveraging its existing infrastructure and resources to deliver high-quality experiences to a wider audience. The next major update from Amazon Games is expected to focus on the progress of the Tomb Raider franchise and the continued expansion of Luna’s cloud gaming library.
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