Maverick Games unveils Clutch, debut title from ex-Forza Horizon creative director
Clutch features a narrative centred on sibling racing prodigies and a deep vehicle customisation system, with further details due at the Summer Game Fest Showcase on June 5.
Maverick Games, an independent studio established by Mike Brown, has announced its debut title, Clutch. Brown, who previously served as creative director on Forza Horizon 5 and designer on Forza Horizon 4 at Playground Games, leads the studio in what it describes as a cinematic open-world action driving game. The title is scheduled for release in spring 2027 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.
The game’s narrative centres on sibling racing prodigies competing in the R1K championship, a competition depicted within the game’s lore as a proving ground for top drivers for over a century. The story also involves interaction with an underground group known as the Midnight Collective, a faction of drivers focused on style and the thrill of speed. According to the studio, the protagonist eventually finds themselves in trouble, requiring a fixer and exposing the dark underbelly of the R1K circuit.
Clutch distinguishes itself with a deep vehicle customisation system that extends beyond standard colour and decal options. Players can create unique cars for missions and races, with the ability to compete for position and rewards. The studio states that this system allows for the creation of one-of-a-kind vehicles tailored to specific gameplay requirements.
Brown emphasised the studio’s intent to innovate within the genre. In a statement, he noted that Maverick has assembled a team with decades of experience building genre-defining open-world racing games. He added that the mission from day one has been to push the genre into a new era through new types of open-world sandbox gameplay and deliver a generational leap on the staples of driving games.
The studio debuted the game’s trailer via a YouTube live stream, though it has not yet posted the footage officially. Currently, the footage is available only via a clip containing streamer commentary. Maverick Games plans to reveal further details regarding the story, world, and voice cast during the Summer Game Fest Showcase on June 5.
