Amazon has abandoned an open-world racing game from Maverick Games, a studio founded by former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown. The UK-based developer, which recruited several ex-Playground Games veterans, is now seeking a new publishing partner for its untitled debut title, currently still in development.

Maverick Games was established in 2022 with the ambition to create a AAA, premium racing experience that could "win all the awards." Amazon's decision to release Maverick from its publishing agreement comes as part of the tech giant's strategic shift to focus on projects that leverage its unique strengths, including the relaunched Luna streaming service and its partnership with Crystal Dynamics on Tomb Raider games.

This marks another setback in Amazon's gaming division, which has struggled to establish itself as a successful publisher and developer. Recent cancellations include the multiplayer shooter Crucible, which launched and vanished in 2020, and the upcoming shutdown of King of Meat less than a year after its October 2025 launch. While New World found more success, Amazon is winding down support for that MMO next year. The future of its Lord of the Rings MMO remains uncertain following cuts to its MMO division.