Former Forza creative director unveils Clutch racing game

Clutch, a new cinematic open-world racing game, has been announced by Maverick Games, the British studio led by former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown. As reported by IGN Benelux, the game blends professional circuit racing with underground street racing and is planned for Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

What makes Clutch different from other racing games?

Clutch stands out by combining two distinct racing worlds in a single narrative. According to Brown, the game merges "professional circuit races and a more raw underground race and chase sandbox, where high speeds, spectacular action and risky chases come together." The story follows two siblings navigating between the prestigious R1K racing competition and the underground Midnight Collective car community.

The game takes place in a dynamic PvPvE open world where players compete against both each other and the environment. Large-scale, unpredictable action sequences blend escapes, chases, and racing moments seamlessly. One demonstrated feature includes a grappling mechanic that allows cars to attach to objects and slingshot away at high speed.

This dual-world approach draws from Brown's extensive experience with the Forza Horizon series, though Clutch represents his most ambitious project yet as an independent developer.

How realistic will the vehicles be?

Maverick Games is prioritising vehicle authenticity over perfection. Built on a custom version of Unreal Engine 5, Clutch focuses heavily on realistic car representation, including detailed paintwork and interiors. However, wear and tear plays a crucial role in the design philosophy.

Brown explained that many racing games show cars as "too perfect," making them feel unnatural in game worlds. Instead, Clutch vehicles will feature dust, scratches, and signs of use to create more believable and lively-feeling cars. Players can extensively customise their vehicles with adjustable parts like seats, steering wheels, exhausts, and neon lighting.

The customisation extends to personal details such as coffee cups in holders, receipts on dashboards, or hoodies on passenger seats. This approach aims to give each vehicle character and its own story, moving away from the showroom-perfect aesthetic common in racing games.

What's the story about?

Clutch centres on two talented siblings who excel behind the wheel, moving between contrasting racing worlds. The prestigious R1K represents over a century of elite racing tradition, considered the ultimate test for the world's best drivers. Meanwhile, the Midnight Collective operates as an illegal underground community focused on style, risk, and maintaining control on the edge of chaos.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when the protagonist encounters trouble and needs a fixer. This event exposes the shadow side of the R1K, revealing that the racing world isn't as pure as it appears. The story explores themes of corruption within professional motorsport and the appeal of underground racing culture.

Brown's team aims to create a cinematic experience that gives context and meaning to the racing action, moving beyond simple competition to explore the characters' motivations and the world they inhabit.

When will we see more of Clutch?

Maverick Games plans the first extensive reveal of Clutch's world, characters, and cast during the Summer Game Fest Showcase on 5 June 2026. The studio has been developing the game for several years, with Brown leading a team of approximately 140 developers operating as an independent studio.

The company deliberately chose to be open about their development process rather than working in complete secrecy for years. However, many details about gameplay mechanics, specific car brands, and multiplayer features remain under wraps ahead of the Summer Game Fest presentation.

With a Spring 2027 release target, Clutch represents one of the most anticipated racing games from a developer with proven credentials in the genre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clutch?

Clutch is a cinematic open-world action-racing game developed by Maverick Games, led by former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown. It combines professional circuit racing with underground street racing in a narrative-driven experience.

When will Clutch be released?

Clutch is planned for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The exact release date hasn't been announced yet.

Who is developing Clutch?

Clutch is being developed by Maverick Games, an independent British studio founded by Mike Brown after his time as creative director on Forza Horizon 5. The team consists of approximately 140 developers.

What platforms will Clutch be available on?

Clutch will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. No other platforms have been confirmed for the initial release.

When will we see more gameplay footage?

Maverick Games plans to show the first extensive reveal of Clutch's world, characters, and cast during the Summer Game Fest Showcase on 5 June 2026.

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