Amazon Games will publish a new AAA open-world driving game created by veteran Forza Horizon developers

Amazon Games has partnered with Maverick Games to publish an unannounced AAA open-world driving game, marking a significant move in expanding its game development portfolio. Here are the key points and insights about this development:

Maverick Games and Its Team

• Maverick Games was founded in 2022 and is composed of former core development team members from the Forza Horizon series.
• Mike Brown, the studio head, previously served as the creative director for Forza Horizon 5 and has nearly 20 years of experience in making racing games.

Game Details

• The new game is described as a AAA open-world driving game.
• It will be available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
• The game aims to stand out by heavily focusing on storytelling and character development, aiming to create a strong emotional connection with players.
• Brown emphasized the importance of human connection in gaming, suggesting the game will differentiate itself by making players care deeply about its characters.

Amazon Games’ Expansion Efforts

• This publishing deal is part of Amazon Games’ broader strategy to expand its development efforts in Europe, which includes the recent establishment of a new development studio in Bucharest.
• Christoph Hartmann, VP of Amazon Games, highlighted Maverick Games as a standout studio capable of delivering compelling titles that players will love.

Amazon Games’ Portfolio

• This new project will join Amazon Games’ growing list of titles, including New World and Lost Ark.
• Amazon is also working on other high-profile projects, including the next entry in the Tomb Raider series and a new The Lord of the Rings game.

Industry Impact and Expectations

• The collaboration with Maverick Games, given its team’s pedigree, suggests high expectations for the quality and innovation of the upcoming title.
• The focus on storytelling in a driving game indicates a potential shift in the genre, aiming to blend immersive narratives with the excitement of racing.

This partnership between Amazon Games and Maverick Games represents a significant step in both companies’ efforts to deliver innovative and engaging gaming experiences. With seasoned developers from the Forza Horizon series at the helm, the forthcoming game promises to bring fresh ideas to the open-world driving genre, potentially setting new standards for narrative-driven gameplay in racing games.