Maverick Games, a studio featuring developers from the Forza Horizon series, announced its new title Clutch during Summer Game Fest. The game is a cinematic open-world racing experience set on the French Riviera, where players must navigate the tension between professional R1K circuit racing and the underground Midnight Collective street racing culture.
How will Clutch change the racing genre?
Maverick Games is moving away from pure simulation to focus on a dual-narrative structure. According to the studio’s announcement, players inhabit the “double life” of a modern racing outlaw. This mechanic splits the gameplay into two distinct environments.
During daylight hours, the focus remains on the prestige of the R1K professional circuit. Once the sun sets, the gameplay shifts into the underground world of the Midnight Collective. This transition introduces cinematic escape missions, high-speed chases, and “social chaos” that alters the game’s narrative path.
The development team at Maverick Games includes engineers and designers who previously worked on the highly successful Forza Horizon franchise, bringing significant open-world expertise to this new project.
What is the story of Theo and Cass Martial?
Unlike many racing titles that prioritize mechanics over plot, Clutch centers on a character-driven conspiracy. The story follows siblings Theo and Cass Martial as they become entangled in a conflict that extends far beyond the racetrack.
As rivalries escalate on the French Riviera, the Martial siblings face crumbling loyalties and growing threats to their future. Maverick Games suggests that every chase and pursuit moves the players deeper into a central mystery involving both the professional and illegal racing sectors.
Comparing Racing Styles in Clutch
| Feature | R1K Professional Circuit | Midnight Collective |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Prestige and official competition | Underground street culture |
| Gameplay Vibe | Structured racing | Cinematic escapes and chaos |
| Risk Level | Professional reputation | High-stakes criminal conflict |
Why does the French Riviera setting matter?
The choice of the French Riviera provides a specific aesthetic and technical backdrop for the open world. The environment allows for a contrast between the high-end, polished locations used for professional racing and the gritty, high-tension streets required for underground meetups.
This setting supports the “cinematic” goal mentioned by Maverick Games. By using a real-world inspired location, the developers can implement varied terrain that facilitates both high-speed circuit driving and complex urban pursuit sequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is developing Clutch?
The game is being developed by Maverick Games, a studio featuring former developers from the Forza Horizon series.
Where does the game take place?
The game is set in an open-world version of the French Riviera.
What are the two main racing factions?
Players navigate between the professional R1K circuit and the underground Midnight Collective.
Is Clutch a simulator or an arcade racer?
While the specific genre was not explicitly labeled, Maverick Games describes it as a cinematic open-world action racing game.
Do you prefer the structure of professional racing or the chaos of street racing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on upcoming racing titles.