JDM: Japanese Drift Master News

[p][/p][p]It’s already been a month since we launched the game. Time flies, doesn’t it? We’ve introduced various fixes, adjustments and even new features in the past four weeks and we’re far from stopping now. We’re knee deep into the post-launch development and we felt it was prudent to provide a summary and showcase what’s to come in the immediate future.
[/p][p]First off, don’t expect a patch this week - we know we’ve accustomed you to bringing a fresh update every Thursday since launch, but this time we’re preparing something bigger and it needs a little bit more time to test out before we ship it. 
[/p][p]From other news that you might have missed this past week - JDM: Japanese Drift Master has been added to the GeForce NOW library, so if you’re a subscriber to the service, be sure to check the game out! 
[/p][h2]What’s done, what’s next?[/h2][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Our main focus right now is the addition of the FSR upscaler, it should be ready next week for all of you. This will become the latest improvement introduced for the game’s performance out of a plethora of additional fixes and adjustments we have already released since May 21st. From optimization tweaks done in the event levels and the open world, through improving shadow quality on ultra settings and adding additional visual features to lower graphics settings, to finally enabling Instanced Occlusion, which reduces the overall GPU strain. We’ve also introduced precompiling shaders on game launch (hidden under the initial loading screen), a warning prompt for getting low on VRAM, as well as drastically reduced stutters during the narrative events.[/p][p][/p][p]Since release, we have fixed various crashes and freezes which were reported to us by the community. If your PC is up to minimum specs, you should no longer have any issues with launching the game.[/p][p][/p][p]We introduced Cloud Saves and a local save backup system, and the ability to disable the HUD for the fans of capturing breathtaking footage of your wonderful cars in action.[/p][p][/p][p]Last but not least, we’ve squashed dozens of bugs that spoiled the fun of playing JDM: car parts issues, side mission issues, main story event issues, as well as UI and audio problems. In other words, it’s been one hell of a busy launch window for us.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Obviously, we’re not stopping here. Our efforts, alongside the FSR mentioned earlier, are currently focused on the input feedback we have received from you - we’re digging into the oversteering problems for certain steering wheels, tweaking Force Feedback options and looking into driving assists, as well as working on bringing more input presets to the game. We are also aware that a part of you still has issues with binding some of your peripheral devices, most commonly handbrakes - we’re testing as many of these devices as we can right now.  [/p][p][/p][p]Steam Deck users should also be happy to hear that we are working on proper optimization for handheld devices. There’s still work to be done, but it’s progressing, so be on the lookout for more information in the near future. [/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Not all of the fixes mentioned above will find their way into the next week’s patch but a lot will, at least to some degree, as we continue to upgrade the game alongside your feedback. We also have some unexpected content and features surprises lined up for you, so please stay tuned and be on the lookout for more news next week. [/p][p][/p][p]Remember, if you encounter any issues, please send a bug report directly to us HERE.[/p][p][/p][p]We also invite everyone to join our Discord server, where you can talk to like-minded people and to us directly. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Let’s Drift![/p][p]The Gaming Factory Team[/p][p]
[/p][hr][p] [/p][/hr][h3]GAMING FACTORY - UPCOMING RELEASES[/h3][p]We're not only a developer but also a publisher. If you like JDM, take a look at what other titles we have gearing up for launch. Who knows, maybe you'll come to love them, as much as we do!

Thanks!

[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p]
[/p]

[p][/p][p]Cloud saves are finally here! You should now be able to switch between different devices without the threat of starting all over. Just be sure to first launch the game from the device that you have most progress on.[/p][p]If you want to make a backup of the save file, just in case(!), you can find it by following this folder path on your OS drive (make sure you have the hidden file visibility set as active in Windows): OS_Drive\\Users\\user_name\\AppData\\Local\\JDM\\Saved .[/p][p]In the patch you will also find various adjustments, which should improve the game performance, fixes to cars and car parts and some other minor tweaks and bug fixes.[/p][p][/p][h2]Patch Notes[/h2][hr][/hr][h3]System[/h3]

• [p]Added Cloud Saves to the game.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue in Challenge Mode Leaderboards where grip scores were presented in points, not time.[/p]
• [p]Enabled instance occlusion - it should reduce the overall GPU strain and increase game performance.[/p]
• [p]We've hidden the Keyboard and Gamepad assist from the Assist's menu. This option, depending on player input, was automatically turned on or off and remained grayed out for players, which was confusing.[/p]

[h3]Gameplay[/h3]

• [p]Fixed an issue where the exhaust smoke would blow in an unrealistic direction.[/p]
• [p]Further open world performance optimization.[/p]
• [p]Added destruction physics to the barriers in Haikama.[/p]
• [p]Added a new food truck to the game's world.[/p]
• [p]Unified the destructible objects across Haruna - all destructible objects should now behave in the same way.[/p]
• [p]Destructible barriers added in various regions, including the Airport, Kiko, Haruna.[/p]
• [p]Buildings and foliage optimization - it should benefit game performance.[/p]
• [p]Improved the display of the red asphalt markings between Haruna and Kiko.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where in certain circumstances some destructible objects could levitate in the air.[/p]

[h3]UI / HUD[/h3]

• [p]Fixed issues with the disable the HUD feature.[/p]
• [p]Improved main menu and UI textures.[/p]
• [p]Improved smartphone and UI textures.[/p]
• [p]Made various text fixes to the end credits’ manga drawings[/p]

[h3]Audio[/h3]

• [p]Made minor SFX fixes to various menu screens and car parts.[/p]
• [p]Made SFX adjustments to the Yotsuhoshi Revolution Turbo sounds.[/p]

[h3]Cars[/h3]

• [p]Fixed the digital gauges for NSX NC1 and Subaru BRZ II.[/p]
• [p]Updated the Panda Hood icon for the Alpha Moriyomo.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the engine icons in the Tuner Shop - proper Wankle icons will now display where applicable.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Honda Civic's Racero Classic Seats.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Subaru BRZ II tuning headlights.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Honda S2000's Racero Fast Seats.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Alpha Moriyamo's fenders offset.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Yotsuhoshi Revolution colliders [/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where you could not apply paint to Subaru BRZ's fenders.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where you could not apply paint to some visual tunings in Nissan 400Z.[/p]
• [p]Subaru Impreza - made fit adjustments to the Ursar R34 front bumper.[/p]
• [p]Added 2 new spoilers for the Subaru BRZ.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the licence plate for Nissan S14.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the Subaru Impreza GR STI sticker.[/p]
• [p]Made tweaks to the suspension range for Nissan Fairlady Z432.[/p]
• [p]Made adjustments to the Subaru Impreza GR STI car setup ranges.[/p]
• [p]Made adjustments to the Nissan Silvia S14 car setup ranges.[/p]

[hr][/hr][p][/p][p]We’re still actively working on implementing the FSR upscaler - we need some additional time, but the feature is just around the corner. [/p][p]We’re also heavily invested into your feedback and requests regarding inputs - from handbrake support, oversteering issues and ill-functioning assists, to adjusting the force feedback feeling and creating more wheel presets for your devices.[/p][p][/p][p]If you encounter any issues, please remember to send us a bug report HERE.[/p][p][/p][p]Remember to Follow the game on steam to remain updated about upcoming patches and additions to the game.[/p][p][/p][p]Let’s Drift[/p][p]Gaming Factory Team[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]GAMING FACTORY - UPCOMING RELEASES[/h3][p][/p][p]We're not only a developer but also a publisher. If you like JDM, take a look at what other titles we have gearing up for launch. Who knows, maybe you'll come to love them, as much as we do! Thanks![/p][p] [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[h2]Good news, Drifters![/h2]
[hr][/hr]
Cloud Saves are rolling into JDM: Japanese Drift Master on June 12, 2025, meaning your game progress will be not only more secure than ever, but also shared between the devices you play on. We are aware that this is a feature that a lot of players have been asking for, so… here it is!



[h3]Please note:[/h3]
[hr][/hr]
Once Steam Cloud is enabled, only one save file will be stored per account. Remember to be careful, as if you use the same account on multiple PCs or PC and Steamdeck, the saved data from the device you launch first will overwrite the data on any device launched later.

And so, if you prefer to keep different save files on separate devices, we recommend turning off Steam Cloud sync in your Steam client before launching the game.

For more information on Cloud Saves, head to the official Steam guide. Happy drifting!


Let’s Drift
The Gaming Factory Team

[hr] [/hr]
[h3]GAMING FACTORY - UPCOMING RELEASES[/h3]
We're not only a developer but also a publisher. If you like JDM, take a look at what other titles we have gearing up for launch. Who knows, maybe you'll come to love them, as much as we do!
Thanks!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1385290/Pizza_Slice/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2708880/Ghost_Keeper/

[h2]Ossu![/h2]
Hope you folks are having a wonderful week!

We have a nice package of fixes and adjustments for you this week, including further open world optimizations, improvements to the save file system, UI fixes and many car and car parts adjustments.

Here is the full rundown of patch notes:


[h3]Gameplay[/h3]

• Fixed an issue where the score counter would disappear during drift lessons in Drift School
  
• Fixed an issue where the ABS assists would automatically turn on, if the player opened up the smartphone menu.
  
• Fixed an issue where text boxes would overlap during the tutorial mission.
  
• Fixed an issue where one of the seats for the Alpha Moriyamo would remain locked at all times.
  
• Fixed an issue where the reward money displayed was not equal to the reward money earned during the Main Story delivery missions.
  
• Fixed an issue where the money earned through delivery missions would disappear after a game restart.
  
• Made adjustments to the chase camera rotation deadzones. The camera will now not immediately pan to the side with the slightest touch of the rotation.
  
• Fixed an issue when the game would provide a wrong reason for a mission fail, during chase missions. Now the game will properly display that the player has been caught and not disqualified.
  
• Further improved level optimization and introduced minor bug fixes to the open world.
  
• Improved the lights in traffic cars.
  
• Fixed an issue when the ABS and keyboard / gamepad assists would reset to default on restarting the game
  
• Spoiler Fixed an issue when the player could be spawned in the burned down garage after completing Chapter 04.
• Enabled a tutorial for part upgrading in the Tuner Shop
  
• Made balance changes to the Sushi Delivery side missions: reduced the number of points required to reach the next rank; increased rewards for drifting during sushi deliveries; adjusted and shortened delivery routes for better pacing; increased package durability during sushi delivery missions.

[h3]UI / HUD[/h3]

• Fixed an issue where the game would lock and the interface would disappear when exiting the Challenge mode.
  
• Fixed an issue where the audio and race countdown would move out of sync when the player paused the game during the countdown.
  
• Improved the Game Settings menu screen alignment.
  
• Fixed an issue where the HUD would not display properly during the drag tournament story mission.
  
• Added small art fixes to various manga pages.
  
• Fixes to spelling and text display for various Manga pages.
  
• Fixed wording on select event descirptions to better define their goals.
  
• Added a missing manga page from the main story line in Chapter 03.
  
• Improved the navigation system - upon reaching your destination the pin will now disappear.
  
• Fixed issues with different fonts displaying in the tuner shop. All texts will now display properly.
  
• Fixed an issue of flickering and scaling icons when having connected more then one input.

[h3]System[/h3]

• Fixed an issue where the game could crash after repeatedly restarting missions.
  
• Made improvements to the save system. The game will now create backup save files to mitigate issues caused by hardware issues.
  
• Added the option to disable HUD in-game. You can access this feature through the smartphone.
  
• Added icons instead of button bumbers and axis numbers when using these steering wheel presets : Logitech G923 PS, Logitech G923 XBOX, Logitech G29, Thrustmaster T150, Thrustmaster T300
  
• Improved shadow quality on Ultra graphics settings
  
• Added rain drop effects on the windshield for Low and Medium graphics settings.

[h3]Audio[/h3]

• Added additional SFXs to game credits, game intro and the race with Ayumi mission.
  
• Added new garage SFXs.
  
• Added new drag tournament SFXs.
  
• Added minor sound fixes and adjustments to the radio, game notifications and text messages.
  
• Improved the rev sounds for the Sushi Delivery car.
  
• Adjusted audio levels for storm effects.
  
• Adjusted the RPM SFX for custom engine settings in Nissan Z 432.

[h3]Cars[/h3]

• Fixed an issue with side indicator lights not working correctly in Hideo’s car..
  
• Fixed an issue where the exhaust pipe would float under Subaru Impreza GR STI.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Bosozoku (star) exhaust pipe would incorrectly fit in Subaru Impreza GR STI.
  
• Fixed an issue where the side mirrors would not properly display the car's colour change - Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
  
• Fixed an issue where the digital speedo would not properly display the car's speed - Subaru BRZ.
  
• Fixed various part fittings and display issues with Nissan S14
  
• Fixed taillight and brake lights issues in Nissan Z33 after attaching certain body parts.
  
• Fixed the materials in an NPC car when racing in Mission 01, Chapter 05.
  
• Fixed an issue where “Wheelrage” LED lights didn't properly display light in Nissan 350Z.
  
• Fixed an issue where the rear bumper for Yotsuhoshi Shadow's “Paddock M” body kit could not be properly selected.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Mazda RX-8's tires were not set at a proper angle.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Mazda RX-8's wheels were not properly aligned to the tires.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Nissan Z432's RPM counter did not properly display RPM values.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Nissan 370Z's "Overdrive" taillight would remain active both during night and day.
  
• Fixed a fitting issue in Yotsuhoshi Revolution where certain parts would overlap visually.
  
• Fixed an issue where Honda Acty's rear wheels would not resize properly with the change of the body kit.
  
• Fixed an issue where Alpha Moriyamo's Burnout Labz Spoiler could not be painted.
  
• Fixed an issue where a bumper would disappear when using the “Shakotan short” exhaust in Mazda RX-7 FC.
  
• Fixed an issue with Racero's GT3 textures.
  
• Fixed an issue where the “Powermotion CS XX” rims were not correctly centered.
  
• Fixed stuttering revs between 300 and 5000 rpm for Nissan Laurel.
  
• Fixed a bug where one of Nissan's 400z hood couldn't be unlocked and bought.
  
• Adjusted camera angles for the Honda Acty and Nissan RZ34.

[hr][/hr]
We are continuing to work on various requests, features and bug fixes reported or proposed by you. Some of our immediate tasks that should go live soon include:

• Adding Cloud Saves.
  
• The addition of FSR upscaler.

These are, of course, only examples - we continue to analyze, reproduce and fix various issues coming from your feedback. We wanted to take a moment here and once again thank you for eagerly sharing your feedback with us, it has been a tremendous help! We only request a little bit of patience, as we work our way through all of them.

If you encounter any bugs or issues, please remember to send us a bug request HERE.

We also encourage all of you to join our ever-growing Discord server, when you can interact with other JDM fans, as well as with us directly.



Let’s Drift
The Gaming Factory Team

[hr] [/hr]
[h3]GAMING FACTORY - UPCOMING RELEASES[/h3]
We're not only a developer but also a publisher. If you like JDM, take a look at what other titles we have gearing up for launch. Who knows, maybe you'll come to love them, as much as we do!
Thanks!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1385290/Pizza_Slice/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2708880/Ghost_Keeper/

I have spun out on wet tarmac again and I am furious with myself. JDM: Japanese Drift Master requires a different mentality to most other racing games. Drifting around a corner is not the side gimmick that you'll do a few times during races. Drifting is the race. In this self-described "simcade" game, you've got to slide around the bendy roads of sunny (and rainy) Japan while delivering sushi and chasing boy racers for style points. It all adds up to some remarkably weighty speedfreakery that is bitingly frustrating when I'm bad at it, and rumblingly compelling when I'm good at it.

Read more