Amazon has decided to withdraw from its publishing agreement with Maverick Games for their upcoming open-world driving game, allowing the UK developer to seek a more aligned publishing partner. Despite this shift, the game is still in development, with co-founder Mike Brown assuring fans that progress is strong and updates will be shared later this year. Maverick Games, formed by veterans from Forza Horizon, aims to deliver a narrative-driven experience in the driving genre, which was first revealed in 2004.

What are the reasons behind Amazon's decision to back out of publishing Maverick Games' open-world driving project?

Amazon's decision stems from a strategic shift to focus on projects that better leverage its unique strengths, such as the recent re-launch of Luna and the partnership with Crystal Dynamics on the Tomb Raider franchise. They expressed admiration for Maverick Games and the innovative driving experience they are creating.

Maverick Games was established in 2022 by former members of Playground Games, known for the successful Forza Horizon series. The team's expertise and history in developing high-quality racing games set a promising foundation for their new project, which is expected to offer a deeper narrative experience compared to traditional open-world driving games.