JDM: Japanese Drift Master News

You folks are awesome! Thank you for joining us on Guntama streets. It’s hard to describe the joy of seeing you all share your playthroughs and screenshots on our Discord. The discussions are lively, and there’s a lot of support coming from the community, not only for us but for all of the other members of our JDM family - seriously, you’re among the best people!

With your support, we’ve already managed to cross over 1000 reviews, and more are coming by the minute. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. We also encourage everyone to write a few words about their experience, if you haven’t done so already.

The media have also taken an interest in the project, with hours of content being published by various influencers and traditional media outlets providing their reviews. Thank you for playing JDM!

We’re being praised for the atmosphere and the authenticity of the experience, while some technical issues remain to be resolved.

[h3]"JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a hugely ambitious and earnest racer that’s very clearly in love with the art of drifting..." -- IGN[/h3]

[h3]"Bursting with ideas, enthusiasm, and a solid physics model..." -- PC Gamer[/h3]

[h3]"JDM: Japanese Drift Master lets you drift swiftly through a fictional, yet painstakingly detailed area of Japan like no other racing game does." -- Eurogamer[/h3]

Opinions like these are pushing us even harder to make JDM: Japanese Drift Master one of the best racing experiences on the market.


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As mentioned above, we didn’t avoid hiccups - some issues are still waiting to be resolved. We’re reading every single comment on the Discussion Forums here on Steam and following your feedback on our Discord channels. We hear you. We’re working hard preparing fixes, and we’ve already released the first patch resolving most issues plaguing the Force Feedback implementation.

[h2]Hotfix 01[/h2]
We’ve pushed another round of fixes today. Here are the patch notes:

[h3]Performance[/h3]

• Improved game performance when moving through sections of the world map.
  
• Added a set of precompiled shaders on game launch.
  
• Improved performance during main story missions - stuttering should now be minimized or gone alltogether.
  
• Improved overal game performance during Story Events
  
• We're still working on a proper graphical preset for Steam Deck, however for now we've introduced small optimization changes that should provide around 5 - 15FPS gain globally.
  

[h3]Game Settings[/h3]

• Disabled Chromatic Aberration.
  
• Fixed an issue where Mirror Quality Settings would reset after a game restart.
  

[h3]Story Events[/h3]

• Fixed an issue blocking progress in Chapter 05 Mission 01.
  

[h3]Gameplay[/h3]

• Locked the possibility to sell your last car.
  
• Fixed the reputation notification system, which incorrectly prompted the same notification multiple times.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Xbox 360 and the Xbox Elite 2 Controllers would incorrectly recognise a single press of the (A) button as a 'double tap'.
  
• Fixed an issue where players could not bet in the Underground Side Missions.
  
• Fixed an issue where the camera setting would reset to default after completing the Sushi Delivery Side Mission.
  

[h3]Audio [/h3]

• Fixed the audio levels when launching the game in cockpit view - the sound levels will now remain at inded levels on all camera views.
  

[h3]Achievements[/h3]

• Fixed an issue where the Achievements "Gaijin", "Dojin" and "Tourist" would not display the proper mileage count
  

More fixes are incoming, so please stay tuned.
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As a reminder, if you run into any issues, please provide a bug report HERE.

This is the fastest and most efficient way to contact us.
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Once again, thank you to all who bought the game and are now having fun driving through Guntama streets.

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

Let’s Drift
Gaming Factory Team


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[h3]New Bundle Available[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/54578/
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[h3]GAMING FACTORY - UPCOMING RELEASES[/h3]
We're not only a developer but also a publisher. If you like JDM, maybe 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/

The wait is over, and the drift gods have spoken – you’ve officially unlocked the Gleam giveaway as part of our Community Challenge! Your support has been nothing short of incredible, and to celebrate, we’re dropping something truly next level.

We're talking about a custom Dreamcore PC case, specially designed in collaboration with JDM: Japanese Drift Master. Sleek, bold, and one-of-a-kind – just like your driving style.


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[h2]🏁 How to enter?[/h2]
Want a shot at winning this ultimate JDM-PC case? Here's what you need to do:

1. Play JDM: Japanese Drift Master (available NOW on Steam).
   
2. Spend at least 2 hours drifting through the streets of Guntama.
   
3. Head to the Gleam page and complete the entry steps.
   

That’s it – your chance to claim the most exclusive piece of hardware in JDM history!
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[h2]📅 Key Dates:[/h2]

• The giveaway runs until June 21st, 2025.
  
• The winner will be announced on June 24th, 2025.
  

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[h2]Play now![/h2]
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is out now, and the streets are calling. Whether you're here to win, to drift, or just to explore the world we've built with so much passion, now’s the time to jump in. Grab the game, enter the giveaway, and #LetsDrift!

See you in Guntama!

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

Let’s Drift
Zespół Gaming Factory



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[h3]GAMING FACTORY - UPCOMING RELEASES[/h3]
We're not only a developer but also a publisher. If you like JDM, maybe 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/

What a ride! The game is out now and you’ve decided to visit Guntama in numbers! Thank you!

For the most part you seem to be enjoying JDM without issues, however it hasn’t been smooth sailing for everyone. Below you will find the first Patch Notes for the game - it’s just the beginning and we promise to provide equally meaningful updates and improvements in the weeks to follow.

[h2]Patch Notes:[/h2]

[h3]Force Feedback[/h3]

• Fixed issues where Force Feedback would not properly initiate in the game under very specific circumstances.
  
• Force Feedback was lightly rebalanced, especially in low FPS situations
  
• Fixed a few crashes, which were directly connected to Force Feedback implementation
  

[h3]Game Launching and Stability[/h3]

• Fixed over a dozen of rare issues influencing game stability, which caused the game to crash
  
• Fixed issues connected to hardware and resolution testing when launching the game for the first time, which caused the game to crash.
  
• Fixed various issues, which may have resulted in a game crash right after launching the game.
  

[h3]Gameplay and Navigation Improvements[/h3]

• Significantly improved the Navigation in the Ichikara city area and in-between the events
  
• Optimized HUD performance and display, increasing its readability and fluency
  
• Improved game physics - driving should feel more stable and predictable.
  

[h3]Steering Wheel support[/h3]

• Increased the number of presets for Steering Wheels, to make it easier for new players to properly setup their input devices.
  

We continue to look into the issues you bring forward to us. If you encounter a problem, please send us a bug report HERE.

Thank you.

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

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, maybe 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/

Here it is, the finish line! JDM: Japanese Drift Master is out now! You can grab a copy with a launch discount between today and June 04. There’s 250km of an open world ready for you to explore, a full single player story campaign, one of the most robust tuning systems in a racing game, two different driving models (simcade and arcade), drift, grip and drag event races, and fully licensed, legendary cars coming from the biggest Japanese manufacturers. In other words - it’s a lot of content for you to enjoy!

[h2]Ladies and Gentlemen, Let’s Drift![/h2]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]I’ve launched the game, what now?[/h2]
First and foremost, obviously have fun! We’re continuing to work on the game: from optimization improvements, quality of life improvements, to future game content. Any and all feedback you might have for us is more than welcome.

The game starts with a tutorial, which eases you into the most basic mechanics of the game, including how to initiate a drift. It’s also the beginning of the story. After its completion (you can also skip it from the Pause Menu) the open world lies at your disposal - feel free to explore Guntama or travel to the next story mission that’s unlocked on your map. You can repeat any of the completed missions directly from your in-game smartphone - it’s a good way to improve your score or even get some additional cash.

Engage in side activities, like the Sushi Delivery Missions or Underground Races to gain more money and ultimately buy new cars as well as tuning parts for them. With game progress you will unlock additional garages for even more car storage. Garages also serve as fast travel points, so do remember that if you want to get somewhere at the far end of a map faster.

From the Main Menu you can also access a Challenge Mode, where players compete for the score in either grip or drift races. The scores are public and visible on leaderboards - it’s the first element of a larger multiplayer feature that we want to add into the game in the future. Additionally, doing Challenge runs earns you some additional cash. Note that you need to score a minimal time requirement or drift points for the score to be recorded.


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[h2]What’s new today? Patch Notes[/h2]
If you’re following what’s happening with JDM, you might have seen some gameplay footage being published by influencers for the past week. Today, with the full public release, we’re bringing some new features into the game:

[h3]New Open World Events[/h3]

• Sushi Delivery - When roaming the open world you may stumble upon a Sushi Delivery event. Deliver the package in as good as possible condition, while driving with style, to earn additional money.
  
• Underground Races - Found when driving through the open world. There are two variations of this event: grip or drift focused. Bet your cash for a chance to win even more money, but you will need to show your skill first - earn enough points (drift) or make it to the finish line in the allocated time (grip) to get the reward. The more money you will bet, the more difficult the challenge will be.
  

[h3]Difficulty Settings[/h3]
We’ve added three difficulty settings to the game: Easy, Medium, Hard. They are accessible from the Main Menu or the Pause Menu, under the Assists and Driving Settings. The new difficulty settings are scaling how well the AI opponents behave on track: how well they build-up their scores and how aggressively they drive on tracks during events.


[h3]Additional patch notes include:[/h3]

• General Traffic AI improvements - cars in the traffic should behave more rationally. Their spawning points and animations have been improved.
  
• Traffic intensity optimization - we’ve optimized the amount of cars spawning on different graphics quality settings to improve the overall game’s performance.
  
• Traffic on/off option - we’ve added the option to turn the traffic on or off at any time - a perfect solution for people who want to master those tight corners in the open world. You can find this setting in the Assists & Driving options from the Game Menu or Pause Menu.
  
• Force Feedback - fixed the issues with force feedback technology when driving using a steering wheel.
  
• Upscaler fixes - fixed issues with FSR and XeSS upscaling technology.
  
• Story Campaign events - fixed minor issues with a variety of events for the Main Story Campaign.
  

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[h2]Supported steering wheels[/h2]
A good portion of you fine people will want to play using your steering wheels. Know that we’re tirelessly working on bringing more and more plug&play presets for you, but as of today this is the list of steering wheels that we fully support.

• Fanatec Podium DD2
  
• Fanatec CSL DD
  
• Fanatec_GT_DD
  
• Moza R5
  
• Moza R9
  
• Simagic_Alpha_GT1
  
• Logitech G29
  
• Logitech G923 + pedals (PS)
  
• Logitech G923 + pedals (Xbox)
  
• Logitech PRO Racing Wheel #1
  
• Logitech G920
  
• Thrustmaster T150
  
• Thrustmaster T300
  
• Trustmaster_T-GT_II
  
• Thrustmaster_TS-XW_Racer
  
• Thrustmaster_TX_RW
  
• Thrustmaster TMX
  
• Thrustmaster T500RS
  
• PXN v10 + pedals
  
• Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race
  

If your device is not on the list, don’t worry, we’ve built a whole robust custom binding system in the game. You can use it to map out any device you want to play on.

For more details take a look at our guide here:

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
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[h2]The infancy problems[/h2]
We’ve playtested, debugged and double-checked everything before launch, but you know what? We might have missed something. That something may result in a serious issue for you, which is a situation we really don’t want to happen…but it might.

If it comes down to this, please use our Bug and Issues form, that you can find here - Bug and Issues Form (the link will take you to our webpage).
You will also be able to access this form directly from the game, from the Main Menu > Bug Reporting button.

Using the form is the best way for us to see your issues, however we will still be looking through the Forums, reading our emails and looking at Reddit, but it will always be a less efficient way to contact us.


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[h2]What’s next for JDM?[/h2]
Today’s release is just a start. We’re planning to grow, evolve and expand the game in the upcoming months (hopefully years!) to come.

We’re a small team and we can’t push out every single feature we’d want immediately, which is why we’ve put certain milestones in front of us. Something for you to look forward to. Here’s a gist:


It’s but a glimpse into our plans, but it will give you a rough idea on what our priorities will be in the months ahead.

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[h2]We’ve made it![/h2]
Once again folks, THANK YOU for being part of the community. For your support, insights, comments and critique. We’ve done it together!
To celebrate, here’s a commemorative Key Art variation for launch date:



We hope you have a blast roaming the streets of Guntama, following the story of Touma and flying sideways through those tight mountain corners.



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

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, maybe 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/

A little over 24 hours left until you can all join us on the streets of Guntama, how awesome is that?! We’re buzzing here with energy and anticipation - years of our hard labour will finally be available for all to play. It’s a beautiful moment! Nerve-wrecking and stressful, but also wonderful and joyful! We really went all out with this project - both in terms of ambition and the amount of sweat poured on our keyboards during the development process. We hope that it will be a dream-come-true game for you folks, as it always has been for us.

[h3]On this special day, we wanted to take five minutes out of your time to properly thank you! [/h3]

We’re deeply bowing to all of the community members, who have been with us for this wild development ride. To all of the commenters, critics, comedians and diehard fans - this game couldn’t happen without you and your input!

Taking the chance, we would also like to specifically extend our gratitude to all of the mods on our Discord channel who kept (and still are keeping) the communication running flawlessly. You’ve been a tremendous help, thank you.

[h3]Thank you to all of our partners: [/h3]
Intel, for being our reliable technological partner. Especially for all of the support and mentorship during the development.

Nissan, Mazda, Honda, Subaru, for believing in our indie project and providing car licences that came with these partnerships.

Logitech G, Thrustmaster, Moza, Simagic, Fanatec, Hori, PXN, Flash Fire, for providing hardware and the know-how to bring as many input devices as possible into the game.

Playseat, ADBL, for all your help, support, licences and knowledge shared.

Kudos to all of the wonderful music artists, who have contributed in building the best game soundtrack of all times! 🎶💪

Finally, thank you to all the people that will give us a chance and buy the game. Hopefully, with your support, we will expand JDM: Japanese Drift Master for years to come.


[h2]Community challenge - resolution[/h2]
We’ve seen your dedication and passion. We’ve read your comments and DMs. Sometimes, a good fight is enough to gain the reward.

Although we haven’t reached the final goal in our community challenge, we decided to fulfil its final promise anyway – JDM: Japanese Drift Master will be launching with a 15% discount for the first two weeks of sales.

It’s our way of saying thank you to the heartwarming community for sharing the word about the game through word of mouth and passing forward our trailers on social media.

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[h2]JDM: Japanese Drift Master launches tomorrow, priced at 34.99 USD. [/h2]



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, maybe 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/