In a move that promises to shake up the open world driving genre, Amazon Games has announced a partnership with Maverick Games to publish a new, narrative-driven open world driving title. Notably, Maverick Games is helmed by several core members of the team behind the critically acclaimed Forza Horizon series, including former Playground Games studio head and creative director Mike Brown.
The upcoming open world racer, described as a “triple-A” experience, is set to launch on multiple platforms, including the PlayStation 5, marking a significant expansion of Amazon Games’ publishing portfolio beyond its current lineup of massively multiplayer online games.
Maverick Games, established in 2022, has a clear vision for their debut project: to infuse the open world driving genre with a compelling narrative and human connection. As Mike Brown explains, “To become a game that people genuinely love, then there needs to be that human connection where you’re actually rooting for these characters, falling in love with these characters.”
To bring this ambitious storytelling vision to life, the studio has enlisted the talents of BAFTA-winning writer Jamie Brittain, best known for his work on the critically acclaimed TV drama “Skins.” Brittain’s involvement as the lead writer promises to elevate the narrative elements of the game, exploring uncharted territory for the open world driving genre.
Commenting on the partnership with Amazon Games, Brown expressed confidence in the shared ethos of fostering a developer-first culture and championing risk-taking. “Amazon Games shares our belief in the importance of taking risks and embracing new ideas, which aligns perfectly with our vision for this game,” he stated.
Christoph Hartmann, VP of Amazon Games, echoed Brown’s sentiments, describing Maverick Games as “the total package” – a studio with proven game developers who are masters of their craft and committed to pushing boundaries. “Their vision for this game is fresh and innovative, and we’re looking forward to working alongside them to bring it to players around the world,” Hartmann added.
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While details about the game’s setting, characters, and specific gameplay mechanics remain under wraps, the collaboration between Amazon Games and Maverick Games promises to deliver an open world driving experience that prioritizes narrative and emotional resonance alongside thrilling gameplay.
As Amazon Games continues to expand its publishing endeavors, this partnership with Maverick Games represents a significant step towards diversifying its portfolio and exploring new genres beyond massively multiplayer online games. With the pedigree of the Forza Horizon veterans at the helm and the storytelling expertise of Jamie Brittain, this untitled open world driving game has the potential to redefine the genre and captivate players with its immersive narrative and innovative approach to open world racing.
