Clutch: Maverick Games' new action racing game

British studio Maverick Games has recently unveiled its debut project, Clutch, described as a "cinematic open-world action racing game." This innovative title blends professional circuit racing with action-packed underground racing and chase gameplay, where speed and style collide in high-stakes pursuits and daring escapes. The development team is led by Mike Brown, the former creative director of Forza Horizon 5.

About Clutch

Clutch is scheduled to launch in spring 2027 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The story campaign follows a pair of siblings who, as driving prodigies, make their way through a prestigious and historic racing tournament called R1K. The event is considered a major proving ground for the world’s top drivers and has a history stretching back 100 years.

Clutch also introduces the underground car community known as the Midnight Collective. In the game, the hero gets pulled into a world full of challenges, where the darker side of R1K is exposed. The first look at Clutch’s story and world will be revealed during the Summer Game Fest Showcase on June 5.

Gameplay and features

In Clutch, players can compete in a dynamic PvPvE action racing world, with open-world gameplay making it possible to experience epic action scenes and unpredictable chaos during chases. The game uses a custom version of Unreal Engine 5, meaning cars have been recreated in detail, including wear and tear that authentically reflects how vehicles look in real life. Players are drawn into the car experience in new ways, with options for deep vehicle customization both inside and out.

Brown explains that the goal is to make cars feel real by adding small details like coffee cups in the cup holder and receipts on the dashboard. This is meant to help create an environment that feels authentic, rather than a museum-like display of vehicles.

Development background

Mike Brown founded Maverick Games in December 2022, a little over a year after Forza Horizon 5 launched. Brown has an impressive track record with the Forza franchise, and he wanted to bring a fresh spark to the genre. The team started with just a handful of developers and has since grown to around 140 people, while remaining independent. They aim to be transparent about their progress and chose to go public with their plans early.

Ambition in the racing genre

Clutch aims to make a significant impact on the racing genre. According to Brown, the team wants to raise the bar with ambitious design and gameplay, inspired by historic racing franchises such as Need for Speed. He points to the success of Need for Speed Underground and the influence of films like Fast & Furious on car culture as benchmarks for where they want Clutch to go.

With its ambitious plans and focus on realism and innovative gameplay, combined with the team’s strong experience, Clutch looks set to be an exciting addition to the racing game world.