JDM: Japanese Drift Master

JDM: Japanese Drift Master was developed by the Polish studio Gaming Factory and published in collaboration with 4Divinity. It was released for PC on 21 May 2025. The game positions itself as an immersive drifting experience, combining open-world exploration with Japanese car culture and a narrative-driven campaign.

At launch, the game was made available on PC through major digital storefronts, including Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. There are currently no console releases, making it a PC-exclusive title for the time being. The focus on PC allows the developers to implement detailed graphics, realistic driving physics, and deep car customization options.

In the game, players explore the fictional Japanese prefecture of Guntama, which features over 250 kilometers of roads, including mountain passes, city streets, and scenic coastal routes. The gameplay emphasizes drifting, but also includes grip and drag racing events. Players can customize licensed Japanese cars both mechanically and visually, while day/night cycles and dynamic weather add depth and realism to the driving experience. The story is presented in manga-style panels, following a driver aiming to rise through the ranks of Japanese drift culture.

Promotion for the game highlighted its authentic representation of drifting culture, open-world environment, and car customization options. Trailers focused on the simcade driving physics, the variety of vehicles, and the narrative elements presented through manga-inspired visuals. The developers also emphasized polishing the game before release, delaying the launch slightly to ensure a smoother experience.

Reception has been mixed. Many players and reviewers praised the detailed map, the visual quality, and the faithful homage to Japanese car culture. However, criticism focused on inconsistent physics outside drifting, optimization issues, and some AI shortcomings. While the game appeals strongly to fans of drifting and car culture, it has been noted that certain gameplay and technical aspects could benefit from improvement in future updates.