TETRIS® THE GRAND MASTER 4 -ABSOLUTE EYE- News

Here’s a summary of upcoming planned updates:

Correction of CTWC Mino Designs:

We discovered that due to an assignment error, the "standard" and "TGM" mino designs were mistakenly swapped.
This will be corrected in the next update.
Scheduled for implementation in Ver.1.4.0.

Adjustments to MASTER Mode Difficulty:

We’re currently excited by the growing number of players achieving GM status in MASTER mode. Our development team is very eager to see how competition and time-attack strategies evolve.
However, upon review, we've recognized that the existing condition for surpassing the 2600 level—"clearing the final lines using only standard minos"—has inadvertently created gameplay challenges and a difficulty curve unintended by our design team.
One of TGM4’s core concepts has always been to highlight the artistic side of Tetris play. Unfortunately, this current requirement has forced players into tedious line-clearing tasks, detracting from the intended experience and unfairly hindering skillful players from attaining GM status.
To address this issue, we have decided to remove the condition requiring "standard minos only" for line clearing.
Please understand, this adjustment is not meant as a general difficulty reduction.
Scheduled for implementation in Ver.1.4.0.
Note: MASTER mode replay data from Ver.1.3.0 and earlier versions will no longer be compatible.

Adjustments to ASUKA Mode:

We intentionally delayed updates for anti-analysis measures. However, ASUKA mode has an upcoming "HARD MODE."
This new mode will be available to players who have earned the "ASUKA MASTER" title in ASUKA mode.
We plan to release it around (likely after) the CTWC tournament period.

Input Device Optimization:

As previously announced (see link below), we are renewing the input device system to address device compatibility issues and simplify tournament organization.
https://steamcommunity.com/app/3328480/discussions/0/603029638548052334/
Our current goal is to have this new input system implemented in time for the CTWC event.
Thank you for your patience as we continue our efforts.

Discussions: https://steamcommunity.com/app/3328480/discussions/0/603030065018601378/

Due to internal development circumstances, the update originally scheduled for tomorrow as Ver.1.2.3 has been released today as Ver.1.3.0.

Note: This update affects replay data for certain gameplay situations.

Update Details
Changes and Additions

• Revised menu texts.
  
• Added a new "Event Data" category in the "Practice from Replay" screen.
  
• Removed the 15-minute time limit from all modes.
  　Note: This affects replay data.
  
• Added "Credit 2".
  
• Added a new mino design unlockable in SHIRANUI mode.
  　Condition: Clear all tiers (1 to 100) with a T-mark.
  
• Added commemorative CTWC mino design celebrating the CTWC tournament (available to all players).
  

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue in MASTER mode where playtime in replay data was sometimes incorrectly recorded.
  　Adjustment applied to MASTER mode as a result.
  

　Developer Note:
　The above issue was identified during debugging and has been resolved. Existing replay data remains unaffected.

We are currently optimizing our input system to provide a smoother and more stable gameplay experience.
As part of this effort, support for DirectInput will officially end on May 31, 2025.

Since the product's initial release, DirectInput was not officially supported; however, we've maintained provisional compatibility until now. Following feedback from the organizers of the upcoming Classic Tetris World Championship (CTWC) in June, and after considering the ideal environment for both competitive play and general user experience, we have determined that standardizing on the XInput method provides the best solution in terms of stability and precision.

DirectInput is a legacy input API, and in recent years it has encountered compatibility issues with newer controllers and operating systems, significantly affecting competitive play that requires precise controls. XInput, on the other hand, is designed as the standard input protocol for Windows and offers reduced input latency, stable performance, and improved compatibility.

Moving forward, we request users transition to controllers compatible with XInput or utilize Steam Input. Steam Input supports various input devices with extensive customization capabilities, ensuring smooth functionality even with devices previously reliant on DirectInput.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this change and sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

We remain committed to providing an optimal gaming environment and thank you for your continued support.


Discussions: https://steamcommunity.com/app/3328480/discussions/0/603029638548052334/

The update to Ver.1.2.3 is scheduled for May 9 (JST).

Note: Replay data will not be affected.

Update Details
Changes and Additions

• Revised menu texts.
  
• Added "Credit 2".
  
• Adjusted all modes (frame calculations interpolated to 60 FPS; no changes to difficulty).
  
• Added new mino design unlockable in SHIRANUI mode.
  Condition: Clear all tiers (1 to 100) with a T-mark.
  
• Added commemorative CTWC mino design celebrating the CTWC tournament (available to all players).
  

Discussions: https://steamcommunity.com/app/3328480/discussions/0/603029638548044004/

apan is currently in the midst of its “Golden Week” holiday season, a long break formed by a series of national holidays. Our team will be on break until the end of next weekend.

Due to the development team having worked up to the legal limit last month, we sincerely ask for your understanding as we take this time off during Golden Week.

However, Hirashima-P said, “It’d be a waste to do nothing!”?so he has created a one-shot challenge replay that recreates the Big Minos mode from TGM1, made in a single serious attempt.

We invite you to take on the challenge yourself.
(*You can try as many times as you'd like.)

The replay data can be found at:
https://app.box.com/s/7l33fel63o66tvt45abqqa8wospvwc5w
normal_20250501_203540.bin

Please place this file in the following directory:

C:\Users\(Your PC Username)\AppData\Local\tgm4\savedata\(Your Steam ID)\replay_data\
(As long as it's inside replay_data, it can be in any subfolder.)

To play the challenge:

Go to PRACTICE

Select “Practice from Replay”

Then select “Compete with Replay”

Choose the replay labeled:
TGM 999 - 2025/05/01 20:35

Challenge conditions:

TGM Style only

No HOLD

Only one NEXT piece visible

Want to stream your attempt?
Feel free to livestream or upload a recording of your real-time gameplay.
(Note: Replays will not be generated for this challenge as a measure against tampering.)

A few selected participants (based on perfect clears, creativity, or other fun/unique elements) will be credited in a new section of the game’s in-game credits called “Credit 2.”

Note: This honor will also be awarded to top-ranking players at the upcoming CTWC in June.

Event Period:
May 3, 2025 - 17:50 JST
to
May 6, 2025 - 23:59 JST

Eligibility:
All TGM4 owners except those disqualified from the tgm_series community

Submission Guidelines:
Post your gameplay on YouTube, Twitch, or any free platform accessible without registration.
Include the hashtags:
#tgm4 and #hira-p_evnt01 in the title.

We will review submissions and announce winners after the event period ends.

Additional Notes:
If your display name is deemed inappropriate, you may be asked to change it.
Submissions may be disqualified at the discretion of the official team depending on various circumstances.
Please understand this in advance.

In addition, if any issues arise, the event may be canceled at Mihara's discretion.
We appreciate your understanding.

We look forward to your participation?have fun and good luck!