Amazon teams up with former Forza Horizon creators to create an open-world racing game with a narrative focus.

Maverick Games, formed by key developers behind the highly acclaimed Forza Horizon series, is embarking on a

new venture: an innovative open-world racing game. Teaming up with the indie publisher Amazon Games, Maverick aims to redefine the genre by integrating a compelling narrative.

Unlike traditional racing games where the focus is solely on winning races, Maverick’s vision includes a deep

storyline with well-developed characters. This ambitious project was unveiled through an announcement on Amazon Games’ official website, signaling a groundbreaking approach in the gaming industry.

“Many excellent driving games offer superb gameplay and content,” explains Mike Brown, Studio Head and Creative

Director at Maverick Games, and former Creative Director at Playground Games. “But to truly resonate and capture

players’ hearts, there must be a human connection where players genuinely care about and relate to the characters.”

This collaboration promises to deliver a gaming experience that blends thrilling racing mechanics with emotional storytelling, aiming to set a new standard in the racing game genre.

“I believe this is where our game can truly stand out from others in the genre. There’s no inherent reason why this

genre can’t feature compelling characters and rich stories—it’s simply an area that hasn’t been fully explored yet.”

In pursuit of this goal, Maverick has enlisted the talents of BAFTA-winning Skins co-creator Jamie Brittain, known

for crafting memorable characters such as the vibrant and troubled Cook, along with the enigmatic Effy, known for her distinctive chipped black nail polish.

“Creating compelling characters who are flawed and relatable is Jamie’s forte,” explains Brown. “These characters

resonate with us because they reflect real humanity, allowing us to empathize with and grow fond of them.”

While Maverick Games has publicly announced this project, details are still in the early stages—no name, car list, or

location has been disclosed yet. It’s speculated that the game will feature the accessible vehicle handling and

expansive open world design reminiscent of Forza Horizon, given the involvement of former Playground Games staff, but this remains speculative for now.

As for the location, it hasn’t been revealed yet. However, there’s a playful insistence that if it doesn’t take place in Bristol, it may not garner the same enthusiasm from fans.