Maverick Games has officially revealed Clutch, a new open-world driving game from former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown and several veteran racing game developers.
Announced ahead of this week’s Summer Game Fest festivities, Clutch is slated to launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game aims to blend traditional motorsport competition with underground street racing and narrative-driven action, marking a different direction from many of today’s racing-focused releases.
The debut project from the independent studio places players in a world where professional circuit racing and illegal street racing exist side by side. At the center of the story are sibling racing prodigies competing in the R1K, a century-old racing series regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport within the game’s universe. Away from the spotlight of professional competition, players will also encounter the Midnight Collective, an underground racing scene focused on style, reputation, and high-risk pursuits.
According to Maverick Games, the story-driven campaign forms the backbone of the experience, with races, pursuits, and open-world activities tied directly into the game’s narrative. A first look at the world, characters, and cast is scheduled to debut during Summer Game Fest on June 5.
While recent racing games have increasingly focused on either simulation authenticity or arcade-style competition, Clutch appears to be targeting the middle ground. Maverick describes the game as an “action-driving” experience, combining structured racing events with chase sequences, rival crews, and open-world sandbox gameplay.
The project also marks the first major title from the studio since its foundation in 2022 by Brown, who previously spent more than a decade at developer Playground Games. During his tenure, Brown played a key role in shaping the Forza Horizon series into one of the most successful open-world racing franchises. That pedigree is likely to attract attention from racing game fans eager to see what a team of Forza Horizon veterans can accomplish outside Microsoft’s flagship franchise.
Further details say Clutch will feature a proprietary physics engine alongside extensive vehicle customization options that extend beyond traditional visual upgrades and performance tuning. The studio is positioning personalization as a core part of the experience, allowing players to create vehicles that reflect both their driving style and personal identity.
With established racing franchises such as Forza Horizon, Need for Speed, and The Crew continuing to compete for players’ attention, Clutch enters a crowded genre. However, its combination of cinematic storytelling, open-world exploration, and action-focused driving could help it carve out its own niche when it arrives in 2027. More details about Clutch are expected during Summer Game Fest later this week.
What are your thoughts on Clutch? Are you excited to play it, and do you think it will be able to establish its position in a market dominated by titles like Forza Horizon 6 and The Crew Motorfest?
