Amazon will no longer be publishing the upcoming open world driving game from UK studio Maverick Games.

The company confirmed the news in a statement to The Games Business and suggested the title was jettisoned as part of a wider "strategic evolution."

The news comes just days after Amazon confirmed it would be shutting down UGC dungeon brawler King of Meat after six months.

"As part of our strategic evolution to focus on projects that leverage Amazons unique strengths and scale, including the recent re-launch of Luna and our Tomb Raider franchise partnership with Crystal Dynamics, we have decided to release Maverick Games from their publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios," reads the statement.

"We have tremendous respect for the Maverick Games team and the compelling narrative-led driving experience theyre creating. This decision allows Maverick Games the flexibility to find a publishing partner whose strategic priorities are better aligned with bringing their game to market. Were proud of what we accomplished together during our partnership and wish them every success in the future."

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Maverick was founded in 2022 by several of the core team behind Forza Horizon, including former franchise creative director Mike Brown.

Amazon Games agreed to publish the racer back in 2024. The project was billed as a triple-A, narrative-led, open-world driving title for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X S.

At the time, Amazon Games VP Christoph Hartmann said Maverick's vision was "fresh and innovative" and described the studio as the "total package."

As noted by Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, Hartmann departed Amazon earlier this year.

Maverick boss Mike Brown thanked Amazon for its support and said the studio is now in active dialogue with partners who share its long-term ambition for the franchise.