JDM: Japanese Drift Master News

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 We've put so much work into JDM: Japanese Drift Master that we feel the prologue-demo from August 2024 no longer represents the current state and quality of the game.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

We’re beyond excited to announce our collaboration with Playseat®! As masters of premium sim-racing gear, Playseat® brings unparalleled realism to racing games, and now, they’re joining the JDM: Japanese Drift Master world. From in-game billboards to other surprises scattered across Guntama, good luck hunting them all down!

But that’s not all! Make sure to visit the Playseat® Café, a cozy hangout spot in-game where players can take a break from the twists and turns and soak in the atmosphere of Japan’s legendary car culture. Trust us – you don’t want to miss this unique location!

This partnership reflects our shared passion for motorsport tuning and the drifting lifestyle. Whether you're racing with a steering wheel and pedal setup already or thinking of getting one to master those silky slides Playseat® ensures the experience is as immersive as possible.


[h3]JDM launch[/h3]
Remember, JDM: Japanese Drift Master launches Spring 2025, and we’ve got big announcements just around the corner. Follow us on all social media, add the game to your wishlist, hit the “Follow” button, and get ready to drift like never before!

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


Let’s Drift!
GamingFactory

In the last devlog, we introduced you to the story of JDM: Japanese Drift Master and showed our protagonist, Tomasz "Touma" Stanowski, who travels to Japan to fulfill his dream of a career as a drifter. Touma is not alone on his journey to the top. As you progress through the game, you will meet a diverse group of characters who bring their own goals and problems to the story and help the main character develop his skills and realize his dreams.

[h2]Meet the JDM: Japanese Drift Master cast![/h2]

[h3]Hideo Inoue[/h3]
Hideo, a friend Touma met through social media, works at Sakata's tuning shop. In a way, it is thanks to him that Touma decides to travel to the land of cherry blossoms. Once a talented racing driver, his career was cut short by a tragic accident that left him physically and emotionally scarred. Today, Hideo fulfills himself as a mechanic, building powerful machines and treating the success of the car he prepares as his own. He is Touma’s mentor in the world of tuning and the local racing scene, but he also proves that dreams can be realized in different ways.

[h3]Aoi Ishida[/h3]
Aoi, known from the prologue JDM: Rise of the Scorpion, is the epitome of traditional Japanese values - charming, caring, and always ready to help. Her kindness and emotional support are invaluable during difficult moments in life, as well as on the track.

[h3]Keiko Tanaka[/h3]
Full of energy and always ready for the next adventure, Keiko works at the local sushi bar Turbo Tuna House, which she runs with her father. Keiko herself is a volcano of positive energy. She loves cosplay, anime, and feminine, cute cars - and her enthusiasm for the local motorsport scene as a fan and vlogger is contagious.

[h3]Kaori Kato[/h3]
An ambitious and independent artist, she owns a local paint shop where she creates stunning car veneer designs. She is also a drifter who is not afraid to challenge herself on the track. Kaori is a strong, confident woman who always speaks her mind and is an advocate for equality in her everyday life and in the world of street racing.


[h2]Rivals on twisty roads[/h2]
The road to the top of the drifting world is no bed of roses, and Touma, who has no intention of relinquishing the title of best driver, will face dangerous rivals.

One of them is Hatori “Scorpion” Hasashi, seen in the prologue - a talented but arrogant rider who still can't get over having a new rival on the scene. Alongside him, you will also face Dragon, Ayumi, Tiger and Honey Badger. Each of them has a unique driving style, charisma, and an agenda that will add an extra layer of excitement to the story.


Friends, rivals, tuning, and drift - JDM: Japanese Drift Master has it all. With Touma's team and a host of unique opponents, you won't be bored for a second. Grab your steering wheel, gamepad or a keyboard, because there will be no shortage of excitement on the roads.

Don't forget to "Follow” the game on Steam and add it to your wishlist. You'll also want to join our Discord, as we've gathered a large group of drift enthusiasts there, so don't miss out! See you in the next devlog.

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


Let’s Drift!
GamingFactory