Clutch’s French Riviera Setting Offers a Vast Open-World Experience
Maverick Games has unveiled the first glimpse of its upcoming open-world action-driving title, Clutch, during the Summer Game Fest 2026 showcase. The game is set in the glamorous and iconic location of the French Riviera, with a focus on the Monaco region. The studio has confirmed that players will be able to explore an expansive world that includes the real-world landmarks of Monaco, as well as the surrounding areas like Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
According to Mike Brown, founder of Maverick Games, the game features a version of Monaco that is larger than the actual city. “Monaco is known for being quite dense and tight,” Brown explains, “but we’ve allowed our level designers to add a little bit of space here and there — but every main road and landmark is present and correct.” The game will also take players through the dramatic mountain switchbacks of the Alps, the rugged beauty of the Verdon Gorge, and the coastal highways stretching as far west as Saint-Tropez.
The game’s world is divided into three main city hubs: Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. These areas are rich in diversity and offer players a wide range of environments to explore. From the bustling streets of Monaco to the laid-back vibes of Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera provides a stunning backdrop for the high-speed action and adventure that Clutch promises to deliver.
A Story That Spans Multiple Worlds
The narrative of Clutch follows Theo Martial, a rising star in the Riviera 1000 racing tournament (R1K), and his younger sister, Cass. Theo is guided by his adoptive father, Ludo, who is a former champion of the R1K. The game’s story trailer reveals that after a tragic accident during the tournament, George McBride, the current custodian of the R1K, plans to implement new technology to prevent future incidents. This controversial move divides the drivers and leads Theo into the world of the Midnight Collective, an underground street racing community. This journey puts Theo in a difficult position, as he begins to owe favours to the wrong people and uncovers a conspiracy at the heart of the R1K.
Players will take on the roles of both Theo and Cass, with Theo voiced by Tosin Cole (Doctor Who, Supacell) and Cass by Little Simz (Top Boy, Venom: Let There Be Carnage). Brown highlights the significance of Little Simz’s involvement, noting her status as a prominent figure in UK hip hop and her growing presence in both acting and music.
Other notable voice actors include Grégory Montel, who plays Ludo, and Peter Serafinowicz, who voices George McBride. The game also features Jane Perry, known for her work in Returnal and the Hitman series, as well as her role in the in-car navigation of the first two Forza Horizon games.
A Shared Gaming Heritage
An interesting detail is the proximity of Maverick Games to Playground Games, the developers of the Forza Horizon series. Brown notes that the French Riviera setting of Clutch is not a coincidence, as it is closely connected to the world of Forza Horizon 2, which was also set in that region.
“There is a massive developer and publisher just outside Leamington Spa that employed a lot of people and built many good racing games,” Brown explains. “This has led to the growth of a talent pool that has allowed new studios like ours to emerge.” He adds that the town of Leamington Spa has become a hub for racing game development, where working in the games industry is as common as being a geography teacher.
Clutch is set to launch in Spring 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game promises to deliver an immersive and cinematic open-world experience, combining high-speed racing with an engaging narrative that spans multiple worlds. With its impressive cast and setting, Clutch is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated racing games of the year.
