Studio Founded By Forza Horizon 5 Director Announces Open-World Action-Driving Game Clutch

Maverick Games has announced an open-world action-driving game called Clutch. Clutch will be the debut game for the studio, which was founded by Mike Brown, who designed Forza Horizon 2, 3, and 4, and served as creative director for Forza Horizon 5. While that history with perhaps the premier open-world racing franchise will help in creating Clutch, it sounds as though this new title will be more cinematic and narrative-driven.

Clutch features a cinematic, story-driven campaign telling the story of sibling racers competing in a historic racing series called the R1K. Within the R1K, players can take part in sanctioned events. However, on the other side of the campaign is the Midnight Collective, the underground circuit that’s more about style. The hero of the story finds himself in trouble, and the seedier elements of the world are brought to light.

As you play, you jockey for position in races, while earning reputation and rewards within the broader narrative. According to a press release, players will need to react to and navigate shifting alliances and rival crews within the context of a living PvPvE world. Missions are hand-crafted, with both planned and spontaneous missions popping up as you speed through the game. Maverick Games touts its proprietary physics engine and open-world sandbox as key factors in delivering cinematic action and emergent, chaotic opportunities within the game.

In addition to the racing and story, players can expect deep vehicle customization, which includes the standard of custom paint and aftermarket parts, but also other elements that Maverick Games claims will help players create a one-of-a-kind ride and deliver on the tiny details that, “build on the connection between car and driver.” 

While this is Maverick Games’ first title, Brown’s work on the Forza Horizon series bolsters confidence. The Forza Horizon franchise has always scored well, with 5 serving as the pinnacle in the eyes of many. That game, of which Brown was creative director, earned a 9.5 out of 10 from Game Informer when it launched in 2021.

We will learn more about Clutch during the Summer Game Fest Showcase this Friday, June 5. Until then, if this sounds up your alley, you can look forward to playing Clutch when it launches spring 2027.