There was a degree of cynicism among the racing game community last year, with YouTube algorithms favouring videos bemoaning the genre’s decline. To be fair, 2025 was hardly a standout year for the genre, with the disastrous launches of Project Motor Racing and Rennsport making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Racing games are often relegated as a niche genre, but this wasn’t always the case. In the 2000s, titles like Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport and Need for Speed achieved mainstream attention. For many, these seminal titles were a gateway into sim racing. In recent years, however, the genre has arguably stagnated. But this year feels different. Take last month’s release of Forza Horizon 6. In its first week, the open-world racer surpassed six million players. For a modern racing game, these numbers are staggering, putting the genre back into the limelight. This momentum looks set to continue, too. Beyond Forza Horizon 6, the annual Summer Game Fest show saw a deluge of new driving game announcements aimed at a broader audience than serious racing simulations. Developed by Maverick Studios, a developer made up of ex-Forza Horizon developers, Clutch was a clear standout. Following its initial unveiling, the studio’s debut driving game was showcased in a bombastic, cinematic trailer during Summer Game Fest, introducing the central characters. It follows Theo Martia (Tosin Cole), who lives a double life competing in sanctioned circuit events and illegal underground street races alongside his sister, Cass Martial (Little Simz). Dubbed as an AAA narrative-driven open-world driving game, Clutch’s production values are undeniably impressive, with its star-studded cast, slick presentation and deep vehicle customisation. With its gritty tone, underground racing and cop chases, Clutch looks like it will scratch that Need for Speed itch and give Forza Horizon some stiff competition. Hot Wheels Infinite Rush