JDM: Japanese Drift Master News

We're thrilled to bring some of Mazda's most iconic models to JDM: Japanese Drift Master! We've already shown you the announcement of our collaboration, but today we're taking it a step further - check out our latest showcase video to see these machines in all of their beauty!

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[h3]Drive Legendary Mazda Models[/h3]
In JDM: Japanese Drift Master, you’ll be able to take the wheel of beautifully recreated Mazda legends, including:

• Mazda MX-5 (NA) | 1990 - A lightweight car made for pure driving joy
  
• Mazda RX-8 | 2005 - A bold design and high-revving rotary engine
  
• Mazda RX-7 FD | 1999 - A drifting icon with timeless style and power
  

…and more that we won’t spoil now, so you have something to look forward to, when the game launches! We are, of course, still working on additional models! In the meantime, check out the interesting facts about the cars you can see in our video:

[h3]MAZDA MX-5 (NA)[/h3]
The Mazda MX-5 NA, the first-generation Miata, has been a symbol of driving joy for over 30 years. Debuting in 1989 (1990 in Europe), it redefined the sports car market with its lightweight, agile, and affordable design.

Built on the "Jinba Ittai" philosophy—unity between driver and car—it delivers a pure driving experience with a short-ratio manual transmission, a perfectly balanced chassis, and iconic pop-up headlights.

Beloved in motorsport, from track racing to rallying, the Miata’s nimble handling and durability make it a top choice. Over the years, it has also become a pop culture icon, appearing in films, games, and music—a true legend on and off the road.


[h3]MAZDA RX-7[/h3]
The Mazda RX-7 is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars, known for its lightweight design, sleek styling, and revolutionary rotary engine.

One of the RX-7’s biggest innovations came with the third-generation FD model (1992-2002), which featured the world’s first mass-produced sequential twin-turbocharged engine. This system reduced turbo lag and provided smooth power delivery, making the FD RX-7 one of the best-handling cars of its era.

Beyond the streets, the RX-7 gained fame in motorsports, including victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the IMSA GT Championship.

It also became a pop culture icon in films, anime, and video games.


[h3]MAZDA RX-8[/h3]
The Mazda RX-8, produced from 2003 to 2012, was the spiritual successor to the legendary RX-7 and the final production car to feature Mazda’s iconic Wankel rotary engine.

One of the RX-8’s standout features was its unique freestyle rear doors, which provided easier access to the rear seats while maintaining a sleek coupe design. This made it a rare four-seater sports car, blending practicality with performance.

It saw success in motorsports, competing in events like the Super GT and Nürburgring 24 Hours, and became a staple in car culture through various racing video games.


To ensure authenticity, we’ve meticulously scanned each model, capturing every detail and ensuring they look, feel, and drive as they should. From body lines to handling characteristics, we’re bringing the true spirit of these JDM classics to life.

[h3]Mark Your Calendars [/h3]
JDM: Japanese Drift Master launches on March 26th, 2025, so make sure to add the game to your wishlist, hit "Follow" on Steam, and join our Discord for updates!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1153410/JDM_Japanese_Drift_Master/


Let’s Drift,
Gaming Factory

JDM: Japanese Drift Master will officially hit the streets on March 26th, 2025, so today, we’re diving deep into the heart of our game. For both die-hard JDM enthusiasts and newcomers to the scene, our game is designed to be the ultimate tribute to Japanese car culture. Buckle up as we revisit the highlights and take a closer look at what you can expect!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
When it comes to racing games, the way cars feel and behave on the road is the backbone of the experience. That’s why we’ve poured our hearts into creating a simcade driving model that strikes the perfect balance between realism and accessibility.

[h2]Here’s what makes the JDM driving experience unique:[/h2]
[h3]Simulation Backbone[/h3]
Our driving model is built on a fully simulated real-world physics foundation. This means cars have realistic weight and braking power - learning how to control acceleration and hand braking is key to cornering and mastering drifts.

In addition, dynamic weather effects like rain, fog, etc. will influence your car’s traction on the road. It is the same with detailed tuning options – suspension, drivetrain, engine power, and more. You can modify your car’s setup to suit your driving style and improve its performance.

[h3]Arcade Layers[/h3]
Once we were happy with the realism of the simulation, we added arcade elements to make the game approachable for everyone.

Driving Assists will help you turn driving aids on or off, tailoring the experience to their skill level and playstyle. We’ve also prepared a driving school in game, which will help you gain essential skills and hone them; from grip racing to drifting. Whether you’re a casual player just looking for some fun or a dedicated drifter ready to master every corner, JDM: Japanese Drift Master offers a tailored experience for everyone.


[h3]Get Ready for March 26th, 2025![/h3]
With its easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay, robust customization options, and dynamic physics model, JDM: Japanese Drift Master is shaping up to be the ultimate drifting game for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re chasing your first clean drift or gunning for perfection, the roads of Guntama are waiting for you!

Add JDM: Japanese Drift Master to your wishlist now, click “Follow” on Steam, and join us on Discord for exclusive updates and sneak peeks.

Prepare your steering wheel, your controller, or even your keyboard—it’s time to drift! See you on the streets on March 26th, 2025!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1153410/JDM_Japanese_Drift_Master/


Let’s Drift,
Gaming Factory

As the full version of JDM: Japanese Drift Master approaches, big changes are on the horizon. The final round of JDM Champions is here, but before we crown the last winners, it's time to bid farewell to the beloved prologue demo—JDM: Rise of the Scorpion.

With the release date announcement, you got a first look at the gameplay, captured directly from the latest build of the full version, and can see firsthand how the project has evolved since. We've put so much work into JDM: Japanese Drift Master that we feel the prologue-demo from August 2024 no longer represents the current state and quality of the game.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
We’ve gathered valuable feedback from JDM: Rise of the Scorpion players, which has been a key motivation in making the full version an even bigger and better experience for everyone. Here are a few key factors that led to our decision to close the prologue-demo.

[h3]Visual Fidelity[/h3]
We’ve updated the engine to Unreal Engine 5 significantly improving lighting, reflections, shadows, and overall visual quality. We’re working hard to eliminate ghosting and other visual issues, which were present in the demo. JDM: Japanese Drift Master will meet and exceed the visual standards of a 2025 release.

[h3]Unreal Engine 5[/h3]
Upgrading to UE5 has brought performance improvements and better game optimization, giving us more tools to fine-tune the experience for PC players. The process is still ongoing but the progress so far has been phenomenal. We’re committed to delivering a well-polished product on launch.


[h3]Game Physics[/h3]
We’ve also refined the driving experience based on your valuable feedback. While driving physics can be subjective, we’ve focused on enhancing the overall feel of the cars on the road while expanding the functionality of driving assists. Our goal is to create the ultimate simcade experience—a perfect balance where both sim-racing enthusiasts and casual players can enjoy a rewarding challenge and pure driving fun!

[h3]Binding System[/h3]
We've been testing steering wheels, pedals, shifters, and handbrakes from various manufacturers. From industry giants like Logitech G and Thrustmaster to lesser-known brands and generic controllers, our goal is to make as many devices as possible plug-and-play at launch. At the same time, we're enhancing our custom binding system, ensuring that even if we miss a device, you'll still be able to race seamlessly.

With all the improvements we’ve made, demo-prologue JDM: Rise of the Scorpion no longer reflects the quality of the full game which will be a significantly enhanced experience in comparison. As a result, we’ll be shutting it down on Monday, February 3rd at 3:00 p.m. CET, in preparation for the official launch of JDM: Japanese Drift Master on March 26th.

Before we say goodbye, let’s crown:

[h3]🏆 The Final JDM Champions for January 2025 🏆[/h3]

This month the first two positions in the table were deliberately skipped, as Hikkoid was our Drift champion and Jujudu0612 our Grip champion in December. Both have already secured their place in the Hall of Fame.

Drift Challenge:

• jujudu0612 with an impressive score of 421918.
  

Grip Challenge:

• Simgii with a blazing time of 03: 20: 101.
  

Congratulations to our Champions! If you’d like to join the Discord Hall of Fame, hop into our server and reach out to our community manager, Julian. You will only need a Discord account connected to your Steam account so we can confirm your Steam ID.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master launches on March 26th, 2025! If it’s already on your wishlist, don’t forget to hit the ‘Follow’ button on our Steam page to stay updated on all the exciting reveals. We know the hype is real, so tell us in the comments: would you like to see a similar challenge in the full version of the game? Remember to join our Discord community and connect with fellow drift enthusiasts! Let’s gear up for launch day together!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1153410/JDM_Japanese_Drift_Master/


Let’s Drift,
Gaming Factory

The finish line is just a few laps away, and we’re beyond excited to share the big news:

[h3]JDM: Japanese Drift Master is officially launching on March 26th, 2025![/h3]

Get ready, because Guntama is opening its roads, inviting you to feel the thrill that only the streets of Japan can offer!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]BUILD YOUR DREAM CAR[/h3]
From installing a new ECU to adding those over-the-top bōsōzoku exhausts, tuning in JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a car buff’s dream come true. Customize every aspect of your vehicle, from performance upgrades to bold visual styles. Take to the roads in one of the licensed cars and make every ride special! Subaru, Mazda, and Nissan cars are already in the game and we’re tirelessly working to bring new manufacturers to our digital streets.

[h3]EXPLORE GUNTAMA [/h3]
Our map boasts over 250 km of main roads and countless iconic landmarks for car enthusiasts and fans of Japanese culture alike. From the recreated Himeji Castle to our version of the legendary Daikoku Parking Area – we’ve crafted a cohesive and stunning world, blending the most famous tourist landmarks with the hidden gems of Japanese car culture. Whether you’re a die-hard drift fan, a street racing enthusiast, or someone who just wants to cruise through the scenic roads of Japan, there’s always something for you to discover.


[h3]GET TO KNOW THE STORY[/h3]
Discover the story of Touma, a Polish driver chasing his dream of becoming a recognized name on Japan’s street racing scene. With the support of his Japanese friends, he enters the high-stakes world of underground racing, only to face fierce rivals determined to block his rise to the top. Will Touma overcome the challenges and achieve greatness?

In JDM: Japanese Drift Master, Touma’s story is brought to life through immersive in-game events and a stunning manga (Japanese-style comic) created by our talented in-house art team. Each event you participate in will be accompanied by beautifully illustrated pages that guide you through the unfolding narrative and set the stage for what’s to come. The story and gameplay intertwine seamlessly, creating a cohesive and dynamic narrative. The loop begins with manga sequences, then transitions into a racing event, and ends with open-world exploration, where the next narrative episode will be marked. Experience a story that combines heart-pounding racing with a rich and captivating tale!


[h3]FUN FOR EVERY DRIVER[/h3]
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a simcade racer, combining realistic simulation mechanics with fun and accessible arcade elements. Every car in the game has a unique feel – from its weight to the way it handles corners and braking at high speeds. We’ve designed the driving physics to strike the perfect balance between realism and sheer driving fun.

For simulation enthusiasts, we’ve added presets for a variety of steering wheels and sim-racing gear – and we’ll continue adding more! Our robust key-binding system will let you configure virtually any hardware setup, even if it’s not plug-and-play out of the box. And don’t worry if you’re playing on a controller or keyboard – we’ve ensured the game feels just as satisfying, no matter your setup.

[h3]POWERED BY UNREAL ENGINE 5[/h3]
We’re thrilled to announce that JDM: Japanese Drift Master is now running on Unreal Engine 5! This engine upgrade allowed us to improve the general visual fidelity of the game, whilst improving the overall performance. Get ready to drift in stunning detail!

March 26th, 2025, is just around the corner, and we can’t wait for you to experience everything we’ve created for you. Add JDM: Japanese Drift Master to your Steam Wishlist and click the “Follow” button today and help us bring this game to as many players as possible. Follow us on social media, join our Discord, and gear up for contests, challenges, and unforgettable moments. See you on the roads!


https://store.steampowered.com/app/1153410/JDM_Japanese_Drift_Master/


Let’s Drift!
Gaming Factory

We’ve unveiled more about the storyline and characters in the upcoming full version of JDM: Japanese Drift Master. Now, let’s shift gears and explore the vibrant roads of Guntama Prefecture—the breathtaking open-world setting for your next racing adventure.

Check out this teaser for a glimpse of the incredible locations awaiting you in the game. Don’t miss the date at the end of the video—we’ve got something special planned, so mark your calendars!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]Welcome to Guntama Prefecture[/h2]

Guntama, is a fictional region crafted to combine iconic landmarks and architectural styles from across Japan. It blends the rural charm of prefectures like Gunma and Hokkaido with the wonders of areas like Saitama and Hakone. From passing a replica of Himeji Castle to driving along the twists and turns of scenic mountain roads, every corner of Guntama is designed to immerse you in the heart of Japan.

Fans of our demo-prologue, JDM: Rise of the Scorpion, will recognize Haikama Lake and the serene countryside roads connecting it to Kiko Town. These picturesque rural settings are just the beginning. The full version expands the map to include exciting new destinations.

[h2]Explore New Horizons[/h2]

Head south to Ichikara, Guntama’s largest city. This bustling urban hub dazzles with neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and sleek modern architecture—a perfect backdrop for showcasing your tuned-up rides. Drifters will also love Daikotsu Parking Area, inspired by Japan’s famous Daikoku PA, where you can hone your skills and show off your moves.

Our dedication to detail extends to each location's unique identity. For example, Mount Natsuna pays homage to the legendary Mount Haruna, while Chichira Bridge takes inspiration from the iconic Tatara Bridge, connecting players to even more exciting areas.


What do you think of these glimpses of the JDM: Japanese Drift Master? Let us know in the comments which areas you’re most excited to explore! The map of Guntama is packed with intriguing locations and hidden easter eggs—will you be able to find them all?

Remember, the premiere of JDM: Japanese Drift Master is just around the corner— Spring 2025 is the time to embrace the drift! If you’ve already wishlisted, the game, make sure to hit the „Follow” button on our Steam page to stay updated. Trust us, you won’t want to miss the BIG announcements we have in store!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1153410/JDM_Japanese_Drift_Master/


Let’s Drift!
GamingFactory