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Amazon Ends Publishing Deal for Maverick’s Open-World Racer

Amazon cites a pivot to projects tied to Luna or Tomb Raider.

Overview

  • Maverick Games says development of its debut title continues and the studio is in active talks with prospective publishing partners, with more updates expected later in 2026.
  • The unannounced project is described as a triple‑A, narrative‑led, open‑world driving game planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
  • Amazon confirms the decision aligns with a strategy to prioritize efforts that leverage its scale, specifically the relaunched Luna service and its Tomb Raider franchise work with Crystal Dynamics.
  • The move follows Amazon Games’ broader retrenchment that included major layoffs, MMO team cuts affecting New World and a Lord of the Rings project, the shutdown of King of Meat, and the sale of March of Giants to Ubisoft.
  • Maverick, founded by former Playground/Forza Horizon leaders including studio head Mike Brown and COO Harinder Sangha, originally signed the publishing deal with Amazon in May 2024.