Amazon steps away from a major publishing agreement

The Game Business reported on February 25, 2026 that Amazon will no longer publish the open-world driving game in development at UK studio Maverick Games. The project is described as a AAA narrative-led title planned for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.

For Maverick, this changes the route to market but not the project’s existence. In comments cited by the report, studio leaders said development continues and that they are already in active talks with alternative partners.

Who Maverick is and what is changing

Maverick Games was formed in 2022 by racing-game veterans, including co-founder Mike Brown, previously known for leadership on the Forza Horizon franchise. The studio is led by Harinder Sangha, with prior executive experience at Sega Hardlight and Sumo Leamington.

Under the prior arrangement, Amazon Game Studios was set to publish Maverick’s debut title. The updated decision means Amazon is releasing Maverick from that publishing contract. In practical terms, that gives Maverick freedom to secure another publisher while it keeps building the game.

Amazon’s broader games strategy shift

The report places the move in a wider reset at Amazon’s games business. It states Amazon has reduced parts of its publishing and development footprint, including MMO teams in the prior year. The same report says Amazon also ceased operations on King of Meat and transferred the unreleased MOBA March of Giants to Ubisoft.

Amazon’s leadership structure has also shifted, with The Game Business noting that Amazon Game Studios head Christoph Hartmann left the company last month.

What Amazon says it will continue

Amazon’s statement, as quoted by The Game Business, says the company is focusing on projects where Amazon believes it has strategic leverage at scale. It specifically points to Luna’s relaunch and to its Tomb Raider partnership with Crystal Dynamics.

The report also says Amazon still intends to publish two upcoming Tomb Raider games and continue support for Luna. In other words, Amazon is narrowing focus rather than exiting games publishing entirely.

Near-term implications

For the industry, this is another example of large-platform publishers tightening portfolios around fewer bets with clearer strategic fit. For Maverick, the immediate challenge is partner transition without slowing production momentum on a high-budget new IP.

The next milestones to watch are a new publishing deal, revised launch windows, and future gameplay disclosures from Maverick later in 2026.

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Amazon Ends Maverick Publishing Deal for Open-World Driving Game