Forza Horizon's Former Creative Director Launches Independent Studio with Crime-Racing Hybrid

Mike Brown, who led creative direction on Forza Horizon 5, has founded Maverick Games and announced Clutch, blending racing and criminal gameplay in a French Riviera open world. The spring 2027 release marks Brown's first independent venture after years steering Microsoft's flagship racing franchise. The move reflects ongoing talent mobility from platform holders to indie studios, though crime-racing hybrids have historically underperformed compared to pure racing or action franchises.