JDM: Japanese Drift Master News

[p]
[/p][p]Drifters, we’ve got some good news for all of you and especially the people who play on a steering wheel. In the upcoming patch expect to see major changes done to the overall driving experience. We’re overhauling some of our physics systems, focusing a lot of our attention towards the tire and suspension physics. These changes will be felt across all input devices - gamepad, keyboard and, most importantly, steering wheels. [/p][p][/p][p]The changes are targeted at drastically improving the grip racing experience, but also to enhance the overall feel and control of the cars you are driving. 

We’re also expanding our support for Force Feedback, which will significantly improve car behaviour when playing on a wheel. There’s a lot of additional configuration options happening under the hood for FFB that will not only make it easier to just plug and play using a wheel but will also make the driving experience feel smoother and more realistic.[/p][p][/p][p]The above introduced changes will influence both the arcade and simcade physics models, where the arcade physics will now feel more ‘arcade’y’ and simcade will feel a little more realistic.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]We’ve been following your feedback since launch day and this patch means to resolve the most pressing issues reported by you. Here are a few examples of what to expect:[/p][p][/p]

1. [p]Force Feedback - we’ve made a deep dive into our systems and reworked the support for FFB from the ground up. We are also upgrading our in-game setup - you will find more settings to fiddle with and tailor the driving experience just the way you want. This is a major step forward but not the end of the road - we’ve circled back to available steering wheel presets and are modifying them accordingly to changes made in the engine. We will also be adding FFB presets to those setups per wheel. This process will probably take until the end of summer, but the first batch of supported wheels will come alongside the upcoming update. More on that on patch day.
   [/p]
2. [p]Oversteering - with the overhaul of the physics in our engine and improvements made to tire and suspension behaviour you should no longer experience uncontrollable oversteering while playing on a wheel. The changes done to Force Feedback will also improve the general feeling of control you have over your car. The above modifications, alongside the automatic car setup system we’ve recently introduced, should drastically enhance the overall experience of driving in JDM.
   [/p]
3. [p]Arcade vs Simcade physics models - we’ve made a deep dive into both of our physics models and both were overhauled to better represent their target player bases.[/p][p]Arcade will now feel more… well arcade :) The overall driving experience will be easier with more overall grip for all cars, as well as it will be more effortless to maintain a drift.[/p][p]Simcade will feel a little bit more realistic now, especially in the handling department:  turning will feel smoother and the overall driving experience more enjoyable. [/p][p]All in all, the difference between the two models will now be more tangible, separating both models further apart and as such better representing the driving experience you can expect from both of them.
   [/p]
4. [p]Gravity - we’ve revamped some of our gravity settings, to improve car behaviour while in air - both big and small jumps will now feel more impactful and you will be able to feel the proper weight of the car. These changes will also influence the car’s behaviour during collisions, adding more weight to the cars and reacting more realistically during crashes.
   [/p]
5. [p]Braking - changes done to the game’s physics will also impact braking. At low speeds braking will be significantly faster and more reactive. At fast speeds, braking will be more impactful in general. With the suspension physics adjustments you will also see how your car works on the road, improving the feel for the car.[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p]To reiterate - our goal for this update is to greatly improve the driving experience, especially for our steering wheel drivers. If you’ve played the game previously and were discouraged by car handling, the upcoming patch will be a great moment to jump back in and check the new additions. [/p][p][/p][p]We will continue working on further improvements, so your feedback will be of utmost importance. When the changes go live, feel free to share your comments in the Discussion Forums, our Discord Server or through Customer Support - we want to build the best simcade racing game out there and we cannot do it without your help.[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]These are by no means the only changes coming to the next major patch. We’ve already shared a sneak peek for some of them - check our previous devlog for more information HERE.[/p][p][/p][p]The update is coming very soon, so be on the lookout for more news.[/p][p]If you haven’t done so already, join our Discord server and keep in touch with us directly.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Let’s Drift[/p][p]The Gaming Factory Team[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][hr][/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! [/p][p]
Thanks!

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

[p][/p][p]
The next major patch is coming next week, so we wanted to give you a little sneak peek into what will be changing. Without further ado, let’s dive in:
[/p][h3]AI Improvements[/h3][hr][/hr][p]The AI improvements will touch on two different aspects of the game: open world traffic and opponent behaviour during events. 
[/p][p]Let’s start with events, as it is a more pressing issue for most of our drivers. We’ve improved AI inputs for the opponents - they are now more fluent, ensuring that every action they take is based on the same principles a player’s car would. The result is a more natural and realistic behavior of the AI. The opponents will also be smarter on the track, looking for the best possible route for them based on a variety of factors and will take into account other cars to calculate their reaction. Because of this the AI should be a little more predictable and definitely less destructive to your races.[/p][p][/p][p]In terms of traffic, we’ve completely redone our detection system and updated the traffic behaviour, ensuring that life on the road feels more realistic. Our efforts were primarily focused on highways, where the traffic would always turn to the left road lane, to avoid the incoming player. Now the cars will behave more naturally and will react to the players’ speed and the road maneuvers they make as they get close by. This will ensure a more life-like experience. [/p][p][/p][p]We’ve also looked into occasional traffic jams on the narrow mountain passes and the rural tight roads - the traffic will now be more scattered and less congested, allowing players to manoeuvre between cars when moving through the open world. [/p][p][/p][h3]Livery additions to the Challenge mode[/h3][hr][/hr][p]To make the Challenge Mode even more fun, we are adding custom created cars to the fray. They will come pre-tuned (and well set-up for either grip or drift races), including one of a kind, eye-pleasing custom liveries.
[/p][p][/p][p]This is the first, minor step we are taking in our mission of creating a fully customizable decals system in the game. It will take us some additional time to cook, but expect it to come to the game in Autumn. [/p][p][/p][h3]A new Underground Side Mission race[/h3][hr][/hr][p]Inspired by Tokyo Drift’s scene, the new Underground Side Mission will take you to a multi-level garage, in which you climb to the top floor and then down again to street level, all within a certain amount of time, of course, and with a drift score goal in mind.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]You will also be able to visit the garage in the open world. You will find it in the Guntama Port area. [/p][hr][/hr][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]We’ve got more big news lined-up for the upcoming patch and the above is but a pre-taste, a Part 01 if you will. Other, truly major, changes are being tested as we publish this devlog. As previously promised, one of them is all about the driving experience dedicated to our steering wheel drifters. Be on the lookout for a new announcement on this topic closer to the week’s end.[/p][p][/p][p]As always, we’re more than happy to discuss with you not only the upcoming changes to the game but anything JDM related. Join our Discord server to never miss a beat.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Let’s Drift![/p][p]The Gaming Factory Team[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][hr][/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!

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

[p]
[/p][p]You gotta’ catch ‘em all! This time we don’t mean cars for your garage, but cards! Yes, a full deck of JDM Trading Cards has landed on Steam and is ready for collecting.
[/p][p]Here’s a sneak peek of how they look:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]There are 8 cards in total ready for you to grab. You can unlock one card after an hour of gameplay to a max of 4, afterwards you need to start trading for the rest. Once you have them all, an ultimate JDM badge will await crafting.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ve also got some neat emoticons and backgrounds ready, so be sure to craft the badge multiple times to be able to brag about your collection.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]As we continue our work on another major update (more info coming soon) be sure to stop by our Discord server and say hi to the rest of the community.[/p][p][/p][p]As a reminder, we’ve got our Photo Mode Contest in full swing now - be sure to check HERE for more details.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Happy Collecting![/p][p]Let’s Drift![/p][p]The Gaming Factory Team[/p]

[p][/p][p]Today we have a bunch of minor issue fixes that have been long overdue for a patch. They primarily focus on UI & HUD, but we’ve also patched up a few car parts problems that have been begging for attention.[/p][h2]
Patch notes:[/h2][hr][/hr][h3]Gameplay[/h3]

• [p]Fixed an issue with Yotsuhoshi Shadow. When fast travelling to the Ebigo Safari Park racing track garage - the camera is no longer obstructed by environmental models. [/p]
• [p]Fixed an AI issue in Chapter 03, Mission 12, when your opponent would not begin the race.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue in Chapter 03, Mission 07 when the wheels would not turn during the car heating up phase.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue in Chapter 03, Mission 05 where the player could have been disqualified upon entering the opponent’s track route during the drag race.[/p]
• [p]Improved the gameplay balance in Chapter 03, Mission 12.[/p]
• [p]Adjusted the gear shift values of Scorpion's car in Chapter 03, Mission 12.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]UI / HUD[/h3]

• [p]Fixed an issue where the main character's name would not display properly on certain events.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue with the size and icon quality of the Rise of the Scorpion side mission markers on the map.[/p]
• [p]Fixed visual UI issues in the Car Setup menu.[/p]
• [p]Fixed some minor issues with HDR calibration.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Subaru Impreza GV STI's stats screen in the tuner shop to reflect actual values.[/p]
• [p]Fixed a visual bug in the Tuner Shop service selection screen, where more than one selection could be highlighted at the same time.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Cars[/h3]

• [p]Fixed an issue with Kawabata's Nissan S14 moved livery (in the Driving school) - it is now properly fitted. [/p]
• [p]Fixed Nissan S14's collision issues when the car was tuned with better springs.[/p]
• [p]Nissan Skyline R34 - removed the “Ronin” hood selection. The “Ronin” hood is now only available through the entire Ronin bodykit.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue with the Speedco 333V chair in Subaru Impreza GV and GR cars. The passenger seat will now properly display.[/p]

[hr][/hr][p][/p][p]We are currently entirely focused on adjustments to driving physics and improved steering wheel support, which will be the bulk of our next major update. We need a little bit more time to have everything done and tested, so please be patient as we tirelessly work to improve the driving experience. [/p][p]
As always, if you run into any issues, please report them HERE.[/p][p]
We also encourage everyone to join our Discord server, to discuss everything JDM and talk to us directly.

[/p][p][/p][p]Let's Drift![/p][p]The Gaming Factory Team[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][hr][/hr][h3]GAMING FACTORY - UPCOMING RELEASES[/h3][hr][/hr][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! [/p][p][/p][p]Thanks![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p][/p][p] It’s time to unleash your inner automotive artist in the brand-new Photo Mode Contest… but before we get to the point, let us say that we are super happy to see that Photo Mode, a feature highly requested by our amazing players, has become such a hit with the community! Whether you’re drifting through neon-lit streets, mountain passes, or peaceful countryside roads, you can now pause the action and capture your most breathtaking moments in full detail. [/p][p][/p][p]We’ve seen your passion first-hand, right on our Discord server, which is already overflowing with amazing player-made screenshots. So, we thought: let’s give our community an event they deserve to go even further. With Photo Mode, you can now fine-tune your camera to capture the full vibe of your drift journey… and go down in Guntama history! [/p][p][/p][h2]Show off your skills and make your way to the in-game loading screens[/h2][hr][/hr][p]All right, it’s time to get even more creative! To celebrate the new feature, we’re launching the Photo Mode Screenshot Contest that will take place on our Discord server. [/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]You can find all the necessary details and rules HERE », but to pique your interest, let us add that the best screenshots from our community will find their way into JDM: Japanese Drift Master as amazing, unique, and completely one-of-a-kind loading screens... with your nicknames on them! What better opportunity to leave your everlasting mark on the world of Guntama, right? To sweeten the deal, champions will be granted a shiny new role on our Discord server, giving them lifetime bragging rights for their photography skills! [/p][p][/p][h2]Here is a shortened version of the Contest rules »[/h2][hr][/hr][p]Although the Contest rules are pretty straightforward, we strongly recommend reviewing the full guidelines to avoid possible issues or disqualification. The following summary is only to familiarize you with the general assumptions of the event. With that behind us, let’s dive in!

1. Use the new Photo Mode feature to take a stunning shot of your car in the beautiful surroundings (you can find your screenshots saved in the JDM game folder at C: | Program Files(x86) | Steam | steamapps | common | JDM | JDM | Photos

2. Remember to snap your scenes in a 2k resolution (2560x1440 px) .PNG format, without(!) game logo overlay, and a 16:9 ratio.

3. Head over to our Discord server, where you'll find a #Creative-hub channel - this is where you can post your awesome shots

4. From July 4th until the end of the month, both our team and all Discord members can vote for their favorite works by leaving a "📸" reaction under them.

5. The three highest rated works will be included in the game as loading screens… with your Discord nicknames on them!

6. This is an ongoing competition, where each month we will select three new winners - based on exactly the same rules.

[/p][p]Pretty simple, isn’t it? We can't wait to see your amazing shots, especially since we have already seen a sample of your skills on Social Media and our Discord server. Speaking of which - if you are not a member of our server yet, you can join the crew now in here » Every month is another chance to win, so grab your camera, set up your dream scene and immortalize your work in JDM: Japanese Drift Master! See you there![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]
Thank you,
JDM team[/h3][p][/p][hr][/hr][hr][/hr][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][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]