Mike Brown
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Clutch Studio Encountered “Actually Offensive” Offers When Hunting For New Publisher
Maverick Games, the developer of the narrative racing game Clutch, has faced challenges finding a new publisher after Amazon Games dropped the title. COO Harinder Sangha stated that some publishers presented "offensive" and lopsided deals, attempting to take advantage of the independent studio. The game is set to release in Spring 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Game Developer Association of India picks 15 studios for first Supernova cohort
The Game Developer Association of India has selected 15 studios for its Supernova incubation program, which offers mentorship and industry connections. Separately, Focus Entertainment has partnered with Maverick Games to publish the upcoming open-world racing title Clutch, set for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Maverick Games partners with Focus Entertainment to publish debut racing title Clutch
Maverick Games has partnered with Focus Entertainment to publish its debut open-world racing title, Clutch, set for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This deal follows Maverick's earlier publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios, which was terminated earlier this year. Focus Entertainment aims to establish Clutch as a major new racing IP.
Clutch secures publishing deal with Focus Entertainment
Focus Entertainment has announced a publishing deal with Maverick Games for their upcoming open-world racing game, Clutch. Led by Mike Brown, former director of Forza Horizon 5, the game is slated for release early next year and will feature a story-driven campaign.
Forza Horizon 5’s ex-creative director pins Xbox’s turmoil on Game Pass
Mike Brown, former creative director for Forza Horizon 5, suggests that Xbox's recent turmoil, including layoffs and project cancellations, stems from Game Pass failing to meet subscriber and revenue targets. He argues that Microsoft invested heavily in the subscription service and studio acquisitions based on projections that did not materialize, leading to financial strain.
Forza Horizon 5 Creative Director Says Xbox Game Pass Was “A Good Idea”
Former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown believes Xbox Game Pass was a good concept that ultimately failed due to insufficient subscriber numbers needed to sustain its business model. He expressed sadness over the potential studio closures and job losses resulting from this outcome. Brown also defended Xbox employees amidst criticism and recent layoffs, emphasizing that the core idea of Game Pass was player-focused, though it did not reach the scale required to justify major acquisitions like Activision Blizzard.
Xbox Game Pass isn’t "viable" with so few subscribers, says former Forza lead bracing for more…
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown stated that Xbox Game Pass is not viable due to insufficient subscriber numbers, leading to recent studio layoffs. He believes the service's player-focused concept, while well-intentioned, has not met the necessary financial targets. Journalist Jason Schreier also noted that some Xbox studio leadership detest Game Pass, viewing it as detrimental to game value and the industry.
Xbox Game Pass was a good idea in theory, former Forza Horizon 5 director says, but "the reality is not enough people have subscribed"
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown believes Xbox Game Pass was a good concept but failed due to insufficient subscriber numbers at necessary price points, leading to studio closures and layoffs. He noted that while the service was player-focused and funded many games and studios, the financial reality did not align with Microsoft's ambitious expectations. Brown also expressed admiration for former Xbox leaders Sarah Bond and Asha Sharma.
"The concept of [Xbox] Game Pass was good" despite its eventual faceplant now contributing to mass job losses, reckons Forza Horizon 5 director
Mike Brown, former creative director for Forza Horizon 5, believes the concept of Xbox Game Pass was fundamentally good, despite its current struggles leading to significant layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. He suggests that while the service was a well-intentioned, player-focused idea, it failed to gain enough subscribers at the necessary price point to be financially viable. Brown also defended Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, acknowledging their roles in the Game Pass push while noting the harsh criticism they face on social media.
Game Pass Was A Good Idea But It Didn’t Work, Forza Horizon 5 Creative Director Says
Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown stated that Xbox Game Pass, while a good idea, failed to attract enough subscribers to be a viable business model, contributing to current struggles at Xbox. He expressed sadness over potential studio closures and job losses resulting from the service not meeting expectations, despite significant investment from Microsoft. Brown believes changes are coming to Game Pass, such as delaying the inclusion of new major titles to maximize initial sales.
Clutch Gameplay Deep-Dive Stream Announced for June 25th, Delves Into the R1K and Heists
Maverick Games has announced a gameplay deep-dive stream for its open-world racing title, Clutch, scheduled for June 25th. Creative director Mike Brown and art director Ben Penrose will showcase the narrative, the R1K pro circuit, and heist gameplay. Clutch is set to launch in Spring 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Clutch Preview: If You Liked Brad Pitt’s F1, This Might Be the Game for You
Clutch is a new open-world driving game from Mike Brown, a designer known for Forza Horizon. The game will feature familiar racing, driving, and drifting mechanics, aiming for a cinematic flair.
Clutch is a Forza Horizon-style open-world adventure with a GTA-like story
Clutch is a new open-world racing game from Maverick Games, founded by former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown. The game combines the driving mechanics of the Forza Horizon series with a GTA-like story involving adopted siblings, underground street racing, and heists. Clutch is being developed using Unreal Engine 5 and is slated for a Spring 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Clutch preview: A stylish open-world racing game that is trying to do too much too quickly
Clutch, an open-world racing game from Maverick Games, formerly of Playground Games, aims to blend circuit racing with cinematic storytelling set in the French Riviera. Built on a modified Unreal Engine 5, the game features a 'SimCade' driving model and draws inspiration from Need for Speed and Forza Horizon. Despite a promising presentation, concerns exist that the game may be trying to incorporate too many disparate elements, including on-rails missions, a harpoon gadget, and an overly online-focused live-stream racing mechanic. Clutch is slated for a Spring 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
MAVERICK GAMES’ OPEN-WORLD DRIVING EXPERIENCE CLUTCH STAR-STUDDED CAST REVEALED AT SUMMER GAME FEST
Maverick Games revealed the first cinematic trailer for its open-world action-driving game Clutch at Summer Game Fest 2026. The game features an original story written by Jamie Brittain and stars Tosin Cole, Little Simz, Peter Serafinowicz, Gregory Montel, and Jane Perry. Clutch is set in the French Riviera and will launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Maverick Games reveals Clutch, an open-world racer set in the rather gorgeous-looking French Riviera
Maverick Games revealed Clutch, an open-world action-driving game set in the French Riviera, headed by former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown. The game will launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring a large rendition of Monaco and surrounding areas.
Everything announced at Summer Game Fest 2026
Summer Game Fest 2026 showcased a multitude of new game announcements and trailers, including Resident Evil Veronica remake, Alien: Isolation 2, genAtlas, Stranger Than Heaven, and the highly anticipated Final Fantasy 7: Revelation. Several developers also revealed new projects, such as PlatinumGames' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin and RGG Studio's Virtua Fighter: Crossroads. The event also featured updates on existing titles like Palworld and Fortnite, alongside reveals for new entries in franchises like Guild Wars and Monster Hunter.
Clutch Revealed as New Open-World Racing Game From Former Forza Horizon Director
Maverick Games, founded by former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown, has unveiled Clutch, a new open-world action-driving game. The title will feature a story-driven campaign blending professional motorsport with street racing, a PvPvE world, and deep vehicle customization. Clutch is set to launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Clutch Revealed as New Open-World Racing Game From Former Forza Horizon Director
Maverick Games has revealed Clutch, an open-world action-driving game from former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown, set for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game blends professional motorsport with crime drama, featuring a story-driven campaign and a living PvPvE world with deep vehicle customization.
Tidigare Forza Horizon-utvecklare avtäcker racingspelet Clutch
Maverick Games, founded by former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, has revealed its debut title, Clutch. This open-world racing game, set in France, features a dual-life gameplay loop of circuit racing and underground street racing. Clutch will launch in 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a focus on extensive vehicle customization and licensed cars from brands like BMW and Porsche.