“Clutch” Open World Racing Game Revealed by Former Forza Horzion Developer

Just weeks after the release of the long-awaited Forza Horizon 6, a new open-world racing game created by a former Forza Horizon developer has been revealed. It’s called Clutch, and it’s created by Maverick Games, a new game developer in the UK headed by Mike Brown, who previously served as the Creative Director for the Forza Horizon franchise.

At first look, Clutch seems to combine elements from other open-world racers that came before it, like Need For Speed, The Crew, and, of course, Forza Horizon. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s get into it.

What is Clutch?

According to Maverick Games, the logline for Clutch is “a cinematic open-world action-driving game that redefines why we drive. Clutch takes players through an immersive narrative blending pro circuit racing with action-packed underground race-and-chase sandbox gameplay where speed and style meet high stakes pursuits and risky escapes.”

The narrative features two sibling racing prodigies competing in a series called “R1K,” which has been “a proving ground for the world’s top drivers for 100 years” in this game’s world. Aside from R1K, there is the more seedy “Midnight Collective,” an underground group that prefers to show off their driving skills and style on the streets rather than in the prestigious R1K series.

Things will kick off when the hero of the story finds himself in need of a “fixer,” which will likely see him leaning on some Midnight Collective connections that get him into hot water.

Okay, but seriously, What is Clutch?

Story aside, at its core Clutch seems to combine an open-world driving game with circuit racing, street racing, and even police pursuit sequences. It looks like there will be officially licensed vehicles including brands like Porsche, Land Rover, Nissan, Subaru, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Mazda, Lotus, Renault, and possibly others.

These sequences and cars will combine in an experience that has players competing for “position, reputation and rewards while navigating shifting alliances, escalating pursuits and rival crews across a living PvPvE action-driving world,” according to Maverick Games. Does that mean players can join crews and stumble across car chases and conflicts on a live map? That much is unclear, but it would be pretty cool if true.

Customization Sweats the Small Details

Clutch looks to have a robust customization system that goes way beyond what open-world racing fans are used to. The reveal video shows that players can apply manufacturer factory options, custom rims, exhaust tips, and underbody glow lights. It also appears that players can add small details like hood latch pins, tow hooks, racing style and external shut off switches.

When it comes to the interior, it gets more granular, with the ability to swap steering wheels, seats, the air freshener that hangs off the rearview mirror, plushies or parking receipts on the dashboard or in the passenger seat, and players can even choose what drink is in the cup holder.

When it comes to performance mods, that is still a mystery, but the reveal video does show a car deploying a grappling hook to take a corner ala the Batmobile. So perhaps horsepower modifications aren’t the only upgrades on the menu?

The in-game driving dynamics will be managed by a proprietary physics engine developed in-house by Maverick Games. Considering the pedigree behind Clutch and the genre, I think it is safe to expect physics that are closer to Forza Horizon than Need for Speed.

Clutch is currently set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC in “Spring 2027,” which puts it a very safe distance away from major players like Forza Horizon 6 and the behemoth Gran Theft Auto 6. Considering that Maverick Games is completely independent, it needs to give its maiden game the best chance possible to hold its own. Maverick Games will reveal more about Clutch, including story details, the cast of characters (and actors), and its open world during Summer Games Fest on June 5th.

I’ll be watching this story closely, so stay tuned for updates.