Former Forza Horizon director finally unveils “Clutch”: A story-driven racing game looking to be serious competition for Xbox’s flagship
Former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown has unveiled his new project through Maverick Games: a racing game titled Clutch. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the title aims to position itself as direct competition to Xbox’s flagship Forza Horizon franchise.
Clutch features story-driven racing competition and extensive vehicle customization options. The reveal comes after Brown teased the announcement days earlier, generating anticipation in the racing game community. The project represents a significant venture into the competitive racing genre, particularly targeting the market dominated by Xbox Game Studios’ Forza series.
The announcement is noteworthy for the gaming industry as it marks the entry of a veteran creative director into independent game development. With the racing genre historically dominated by franchises like Forza Horizon and Gran Turismo, the emergence of a new story-focused competitor could offer players alternative experiences. The use of Unreal Engine 5 suggests the developers are leveraging current-generation technology to compete visually and mechanically with established racing franchises.
Given Brown’s proven track record with Forza Horizon 5—one of the most successful entries in that series—there is potential audience interest in his new venture. The emphasis on story-driven gameplay distinguishes Clutch from purely competitive racing simulators, suggesting a focus on narrative-driven experiences within the racing genre.