Maverick Games Announces Clutch for PlayStation 5 Launching in 2027

Maverick Games has officially announced that Forza Horizon 6 developers are shifting their focus to a new project titled Clutch, which is slated for a PlayStation 5 release in Spring 2027. While fans of Forza Motorsport and previous open-world driving titles may be familiar with the studio's pedigree, this new project represents a departure from traditional simulation racing, aiming to blend cinematic storytelling with high-stakes underground pursuits. As we track the latest developments here at In Game News, it is clear that the industry is keeping a close eye on how this team utilizes their experience to challenge the current status of the racing genre on modern hardware like the PS5 Pro.

Understanding the Vision Behind Maverick Games' Clutch

Maverick Games is a UK-based studio founded by industry veterans with significant history in the racing genre. The team is led by Mike Brown, who previously served as a creative designer and game designer on the last four entries of the Forza Horizon series. His experience also extends to titles such as Motorstorm Apocalypse and DriveClub, providing a foundation for the studio's focus on high-speed, cinematic driving experiences. The development team includes other notable figures from the Forza Horizon development cycle, including producer Tom Butcher, technical director Matt Craven, technical art director Gareth Harwood, audio director Fraser Strachan, and art director Ben Penrose.

The studio aims to distinguish Clutch from other titles in the racing games market by emphasizing a blend of traditional circuit racing and underground race-and-chase sandbox gameplay. The core loop promises to balance speed and style with high-stakes pursuits and risky escapes, moving away from the purely competitive nature of simulation titles. By leveraging Unreal Engine 5, the developers intend to create a world where players can engage in a persistent environment.

Technical Architecture and Gameplay Mechanics

One of the primary features of Clutch is its PvPvE (Player vs. Player vs. Environment) structure. Unlike standard racing games where players are sequestered in private lobbies, this open-world approach allows users to encounter other real-life drivers while navigating the game world. This design choice is intended to make the world feel populated and active as players perform their tasks or engage in races.

The customization aspect of the game is also a focal point for the development team. Maverick Games has stated that they intend to offer a deep level of vehicle modification, incorporating elements designed to give cars a more human feel. This approach suggests a departure from purely aesthetic tuning, potentially influencing how vehicles handle and respond to the environment during high-speed chases.

The Legacy of the Original 2009 Title

It is worth noting that the name Clutch shares a title with a 2009 racing and action game developed for PC. The original 2009 version of Clutch, which held a Metacritic score of 51, focused on post-apocalyptic racing and combat. The new title from Maverick Games is a completely separate project and should not be confused with the 2009 release. Fans looking for more information on the evolution of driving titles can check out our gaming history coverage for context on how the industry has shifted over the last two decades.

Anticipating the Summer Game Fest Reveal

While an initial trailer surfaced at the conclusion of a livestream, the studio has scheduled a full reveal during the Summer Game Fest. This event is expected to provide a clearer look at the narrative, the cast of actors involved, and the specific mechanics of the open world. Maverick Games has confirmed that they will share more details regarding the story and the world design during this presentation. As the community waits for the official trailer to be released independently, the focus remains on how the studio will translate their experience with the Forza Horizon engine into the requirements of Unreal Engine 5.

The 2027 release date provides the team with a significant window to refine the game's mechanics. Given the expertise of the staff involved, the community is closely monitoring how the game will balance the technical demands of a persistent open world with the high-fidelity graphics expected on the PlayStation 5. We will continue to update our readers as more information becomes available following the Summer Game Fest presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

For players seeking quick answers regarding the upcoming release, we have compiled the following information based on the latest developer updates.

• When does Clutch come out on PS5?
  Clutch is scheduled for a release on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2027.
• What is the new Clutch game by Maverick Games?
  Clutch is a cinematic open-world action-driving game that combines traditional circuit racing with underground race-and-chase sandbox gameplay.
• Is Clutch an open world racing game?
  Yes, Clutch is described as a cinematic open-world action-driving title featuring a PvPvE structure built on Unreal Engine 5.