Amazon's gaming walkback continues as it ends publishing deal for a new racing game being headed up by former Forza Horizon creative director
PC Gamer
by Andy Chalk February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Amazon continues to scale back its ambitions in the gaming industry with the recent announcement of ending its publishing deal with Maverick Games. The studio, led by former Forza Horizon creative director Michael Brown, was developing an open-world racing game that Amazon had initially supported as part of its big-budget gaming strategy. However, as part of a strategic shift to focus on projects aligning with Amazon’s unique strengths, such as its Luna cloud gaming platform and partnerships like the Tomb Raider franchise, the company decided to release Maverick Games from their publishing agreement.
The decision by Amazon reflects a broader reevaluation of its gaming division, which has struggled to gain traction in a highly competitive market. Amazon had previously invested heavily in high-profile projects, but many failed to meet expectations, including King of Meat, a co-op party game that garnered significant investment but ultimately flopped. This latest move underscores Amazon’s pivot toward more niche and scaled-back initiatives, with a renewed emphasis on its Luna platform and select partnerships.
For gamers and developers, this shift highlights the challenges of building a gaming division without a clear long-term strategy. While Amazon’s decision to end the Maverick Games deal allows the studio greater flexibility in finding a publishing partner that aligns with their vision, it also raises questions about the future of Amazon’s gaming efforts. With a focus on cloud gaming and strategic partnerships, Amazon appears to be recalibrating its approach, though its long-term success in this space remains uncertain.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/25/2026