Clutch Aims to Rival Forza Horizon 6 and GTA 6 with Its Unique Crime-and-Racing Experience

A new era of racing games is on the horizon, with a fresh title emerging from a team of former Forza Horizon developers eager to surpass their previous work. Maverick Games, under the guidance of Mike Brown, the creative director of Forza Horizon 5, has introduced Clutch, a narrative-driven racing experience centered around sibling racers battling it out in a setting reminiscent of the French Riviera.

Clutch incorporates familiar elements from Forza Horizon, such as licensed vehicles, a stunning tourist backdrop, and a blend of official racing events alongside underground street racing. However, it also integrates a crime narrative that draws inspiration from franchises like Need for Speed and Grand Theft Auto, as the main character finds himself embroiled in trouble, leading to automotive heists and thrilling police chases.

Players can equip their cars with high-tech gadgets akin to those seen in James Bond films, enhancing their escapades. The reveal trailer showcased a grappling cable that launches from the front of the vehicle, enabling it to swing around obstacles like lampposts.

The game features two main characters, a brother and sister duo, who become entangled in a historic motorsport series known as the R1K, as well as a street-racing faction called the Midnight Collective, which emphasizes “the raw thrill of speed,” according to Brown.

Maverick has presented impressively detailed car models that exhibit realistic wear and tear. Clutch takes customization a step further than its competitors, allowing players to modify not just the exteriors but also the interiors of their vehicles. Options include official manufacturer parts, aftermarket seats and steering wheels, and even personal touches like coffee cups, parking tickets, trinkets, and discarded hoodies scattered throughout the cabin.

A follow-up reveal trailer for Clutch is set to debut at the Summer Game Fest on June 5, where Brown promises to officially introduce the game’s characters and setting. While the Riviera is confirmed, there’s speculation that the environment may extend into northern Italy, similar to the approach taken in Forza Horizon 2.

Originally, Clutch was slated for publication by Amazon, but the tech giant withdrew from the agreement in February. Despite this setback, Maverick Games appears to have sufficient funding to continue development and is currently on the lookout for a new publishing partner.

Maverick isn’t alone in this competitive landscape; just a short distance from Playground Games in Leamington Spa, U.K., another studio formed by ex-Playground staff, Lighthouse Games, is also developing an open-world racing title. The creator of the Forza series believes he has the insight needed to stay ahead in this evolving genre.