Maverick Games has given fans an early glimpse into Clutch their highly anticipated open-world action-racing game. In a recent livestream, the studio showcased an hour of gameplay, offering a comprehensive look at the game’s world, vehicles, and gameplay mechanics. Despite being in the early stages of development, Clutch promises an immersive and thrilling experience.
The livestream provided a detailed overview of Clutch’s story-driven gameplay which follows the journey of fostered siblings Theo and Cass. The narrative begins in London, where the protagonists find themselves in a bit of trouble, leading to a series of events that propel them into the world of professional racing and underground street races. The game’s story is set against the backdrop of the prestigious Riviera R1K championship and the Midnight Collective street-racing gang.
The World of Clutch: Riviera R1K and Beyond
Clutch’s open-world map is a meticulously crafted recreation of the French Riviera, including Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. The game’s lighting model uses proprietary sky-capture technology integrated into Unreal Engine’s Lumen system, creating stunning visuals that bring the Riviera nights to life. The map is designed to be a little larger than real-life Monaco to enhance gameplay, with every building being unique and no repeated assets.
Players can engage in traditional closed-circuit races in the Riviera R1K, as well as street races that are won based on stylish driving and fan engagement. The game’s social media angle adds a unique twist, with players earning points for satisfying viewer requests during livestreamed races. This mechanic encourages risky and stylish driving, reminiscent of classic racing games like Burnout and Project Gotham Racing.
Vehicle Roster and Innovative Features
Clutch boasts an impressive vehicle roster featuring a mix of exotic and unexpected cars. From a winged E39 BMW M5 to a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the game offers a diverse range of vehicles to suit different racing styles. Players can purchase newer cars through dealerships, while older models can be acquired at underground car meetups.
The game also introduces Clutch Tech a set of experimental gadgets that add an extra layer of excitement to the racing experience. These gadgets, which include a harpoon mechanic for slingshotting around corners, are integrated into the game’s physics system, ensuring realistic and dynamic interactions. The harpoon, for instance, can be aimed freely and attached to objects to swing around corners or spin out opponents.
Story and Gameplay Mechanics
The story of Clutch revolves around Theo and Cass, who are taken in by their adopted father, Ludo, and join his racing team. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Theo’s closest friend, Mikko, dies in a racing accident, adding a layer of emotional depth to the gameplay. The game’s story is complemented by a film-like orchestral score and several licensed music tracks, enhancing the
Clutch’s gameplay mechanics are designed to offer a variety of driving experiences, from high-speed chases and heists to stealth missions. The game’s co-op mode allows two players to take on the roles of Theo and Cass, adding a social dimension to the gameplay. With its mix of races, chases, gadgets, and story-driven missions, Clutch aims to be more than just a racing game—it’s a driving experience that encompasses a wide range of car-based fantasies.
Clutch is set to launch in Spring 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Racing enthusiasts and open-world adventure seekers alike can look forward to an exhilarating and innovative gaming experience with Clutch.
