Games of 2025: JDM: Japanese Drift Master preview

The world of racing games often gravitates towards familiar formats, but every so often a title emerges that taps into a more niche culture within the genre. JDM: Japanese Drift Master is looking to do just that by immersing players in the birthplace of drifting, Japan, with a focus on authenticity and style. Developed by Gaming Factory, this upcoming release blends a story-driven experience with open-world exploration and plenty of high-speed thrills.

What We Know

JDM: Japanese Drift Master is described as a simcade racing game that captures the essence of Japan’s iconic car culture. The game offers a vast open-world environment set in the fictional prefecture of Guntama, inspired by the real-life Honshu region. Players will be able to explore over 250 kilometers of roads, ranging from bustling city streets to winding mountain passes to live out your drifting dreams.

The game offers a mix of drifting, grip racing, and drag events, with a narrative layer that features over 40 story-driven events and sidequests. Players take on the role of a foreigner looking to prove themselves in Japan’s underground drifting scene, with the story unfolding through hand-drawn manga-style cutscenes. In addition to competitive events, players can customize licensed cars from brands like Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru. Customization options range from cosmetic changes to tuning vehicles for peak performance.

One of the game’s standout features is its flexible control options, which cater to both casual players and hardcore racing enthusiasts. Whether using a keyboard, gamepad, or steering wheel setup, the game promises an enjoyable experience thanks to its carefully tuned driving physics. The immersive atmosphere is enhanced by authentic car sounds and genre-themed radio stations to accompany your driving sessions. The game is currently in development for PC, with no confirmed console release at this time.

What We Saw

We first encountered JDM: Japanese Drift Master during Gamescom last year, where Gaming Factory provided a hands-on session with an early build of the game. The demo allowed us to explore some of the core gameplay elements, and we were also treated to a sneak peek at upcoming content that hasn’t been publicly revealed yet. In addition, we’ve since had the chance to try out JDM: Rise of the Scorpion, a demo version of the game available on Steam, which gave us more insight into the game’s mechanics and potential.

What We Thought

JDM: Japanese Drift Master feels like a passion project that celebrates Japan’s rich automotive culture, and it’s refreshing to see a racing game that steers away from the more mainstream approach of titles like Forza or Gran Turismo. The narrative premise of playing a foreigner trying to earn respect within the local drifting scene adds a unique twist, and the manga-style cutscenes give the game an artistic flair that sets it apart from more traditional racers.

In terms of gameplay, the open-world design holds a lot of promise. The diverse landscapes within the fictional Guntama prefecture offer a lot of variety, from city streets to challenging mountain roads that are perfect for honing your drifting skills. The driving physics strike a balance between realism and accessibility, making it easy for newcomers to pick up while providing enough depth for more experienced racers to enjoy. We found that using a steering wheel setup brought out the best in the game’s physics, making for a more immersive experience.

Visually, JDM: Japanese Drift Master doesn’t quite compete with the high-end visuals seen in AAA racing games, but it’s more than solid, especially for a project with a more niche focus. The attention to detail in car models and the dynamic weather and day-night cycles help to elevate the presentation. However, we did notice that some areas felt a bit sparse, which could detract from long-term engagement if not addressed before launch.

Audio design is another area where the game shines, with realistic engine sounds and a variety of in-game radio stations that help set the tone for your driving sessions. The game’s dedication to capturing the authentic sounds of Japanese car culture adds another layer of immersion that fans of the genre will appreciate.

Overall, JDM: Japanese Drift Master is shaping up to be a love letter to Japan’s drifting culture. While it may not have the polish of some bigger racing titles, its unique focus and engaging gameplay mechanics make it one to watch for fans of the genre. We’re curious to see how Gaming Factory expands on the narrative and open-world elements as development progresses, especially as the demo offered a solid but somewhat limited glimpse of what the final product might offer. If they can maintain a balance between authenticity and gameplay variety, JDM: Japanese Drift Master could carve out a niche of its own within the racing genre.