Credits: Gaming Factory

After years of development, JDM: Japanese Drift Master is set to release on May 21, 2025. This open-world racing game combines realistic physics with accessible, arcade-style gameplay. With its focus on drifting, Japanese car culture, and scenic environments, it has been generating interest for some time. The free prologue, JDM: Rise of the Scorpion, introduced players to the experience and helped build excitement for what’s to come.

If you’re planning your game wishlist for the year, this is one you might want to mark. For a full list of confirmed 2025 game releases, check out this list

JDM: Japanese Drift Master drops players into the fictional Guntama prefecture, inspired by Japan’s famous drifting trails and breathtaking scenery. The game is a simcade racer, offering realistic physics alongside accessible gameplay mechanics. It’s not just about drifting either. Players will follow the story of Touma, a young Polish drifter trying to make a name for himself in the fiercely competitive Japanese racing scene. Along the way, Touma faces rivals, forms friendships, and navigates personal struggles in a story told through beautifully-drawn manga-style cutscenes.

What makes the game even more appealing is its authenticity. Players will drive a wide range of licensed cars from iconic brands like Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Honda. These meticulously recreated models aim to give gearheads the feeling of driving the real thing. And with the addition of characters and settings inspired by Japanese culture, JDM is looking like a love letter to both drifting and the land where it all began.

A cool fact? The game features over 250 kilometers of open-world roads with varied environments, from neon-lit cityscapes inspired by Tokyo to Haikama Lake’s tranquil countryside trails. This world was designed not only to test your drifting skills but to immerse you in the culture and spirit of Japan’s car scene.

One of the big draws of JDM is its massive open world. Spanning small towns, bustling city streets, and winding mountain passes, the Japanese prefecture of Guntama is a drifter's dream come true. The game dynamically shifts through day and night with a weather system that makes every drive feel unique. From rainy downhill runs to sunny cruises by picturesque landmarks, variety is key.

Customization is huge in Japanese Drift Master. At tuning shops, you’ll not only improve driving performance but also give your car a personal touch at the paint shop. Adjust engine components, tweak suspension settings, and even customize your ride height for optimal drift angles. For creative players, there’s the thrill of adding decals, stickers, or turning your car into a true street racer with bold paint designs.

The game also features an engaging story campaign, blending western-style racing with eastern visual storytelling through manga panels. Over 40 story-driven events will push Touma’s rise through the drift scene. Alongside the main campaign, you’ll also find side quests, intense drift challenges, and even head-to-head showdowns.

The cherry on top? The game delivers a stellar audio-visual experience. From lifelike engine sounds to an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack covering Eurobeat, J-Rock, and EDM, you’ll feel the intensity of drifting with every sharp turn.

Since the announcement of its extended development time and the release of its free prologue, Rise of the Scorpion, JDM has gathered an impressive following. On forums and gaming subreddits, fans of racing games and drifting sims have expressed excitement over the game’s attention to detail, particularly the faithful recreation of famous car brands and its unique approach to storytelling.

Early responses to the prologue were largely positive, with many praising its accessible driving mechanics and vibrant manga-inspired visuals. The announcement of licensed cars like those from Mazda, Subaru, and Honda further boosted excitement among motorheads. Still, there’s been some skepticism in niche sim communities about how well-balanced the game’s simcade physics will be, and whether it can stand out from other drifting games on the market.

Overall, Japanese Drift Master seems poised for a solid reception, particularly among casual players who want a fun, stylish experience and racing enthusiasts looking for authenticity.

If you’re a fan of games like Forza Horizon, Initial D Arcade Stage, or even sim-driving games like Assetto Corsa, Japanese Drift Master is probably right up your alley. It's perfect balance of realism and arcade fun makes it approachable for beginners while offering depth for experienced players. That, paired with its immersive storytelling, customizable rides, and gorgeous open world, makes it a drift racer worth paying attention to.

Grab your wheel, controller, or keyboard, and get ready to leave your mark on the roads of Guntama. JDM releases May 21, 2025, on PC via Steam, GoG, and Epic Store.

Gaming Factory, established in 2017, is a Polish game development studio and publisher that creates and distributes video games. The company focuses on delivering high-quality games across different genres, offering engaging and innovative gaming experiences.

One of its key projects, JDM: Japanese Drift Master, is an open-world drifting simulator designed to reflect Japanese car culture. This game highlights Gaming Factory’s focus on immersive gameplay and attention to detail.

The company continues to grow its portfolio, developing games that aim to provide unique and enjoyable experiences for players around the world.