The wait is almost over for fans of open-world driving games with a Japanese street racing flair. JDM: Japanese Drift Master is set to bring high-speed drifting, deep car customization, and an Initial D-inspired story to PC later this year.
With stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals, an immersive open world, and a gripping narrative, this upcoming title from Gaming Factory could be a sleeper hit when it launches in May. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is JDM: Japanese Drift Master?
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is an open-world driving game with a strong narrative focus, developed and published by Gaming Factory, a Poland-based studio. The game puts players in the shoes of Touma, a Polish driver navigating the underground street racing scene in Japan.
Unlike most racing games, JDM: Japanese Drift Master will feature a Manga-style story told through vibrant cutscenes, packed with drama, action, and romance.
An Expansive Open World Set in Japan
The game takes place in Guntama, a fictionalized version of Japan, featuring over 250 kilometers of drivable roads, including:
- Winding mountain passes perfect for drifting
- Bustling city streets
- Scenic rural villages
- Real-world landmarks like Himeji Castle
The game will also include dynamic weather and time-of-day cycles, making the world feel alive.
JDM: Japanese Drift Master – Release Date
The game was originally planned for March 26, 2025, but was pushed back for additional polish. The new official release date is May 21, 2025, and it will be available on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG at launch.
Unlike some other recent racing games, JDM: Japanese Drift Master will launch as a full game, not in Early Access.
Will JDM: Japanese Drift Master Be on Consoles?
At launch, the game will be PC-only, but Gaming Factory has confirmed that console versions are planned. The team will shift focus to porting once the PC version is released, though no specific console release window has been given yet.
JDM: Japanese Drift Master – Car List
The game features a lineup of licensed Japanese cars from manufacturers like Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru, with full cosmetic and mechanical customization.
Confirmed Cars So Far:
Honda:
- Honda NSX (Second Generation)
Mazda:
- Mazda MX-5 (NA)
- Mazda MX-5 (NB)
- Mazda RX-7 (FD)
- Mazda RX-8
Nissan:
- Nissan 350Z
- Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
- Nissan Fairlady 240Z
- Nissan Skyline GT-R (PGC10 – First Generation)
- Nissan Silvia S15 (License branding not yet confirmed)
Subaru:
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Second Generation – “Bug Eye”)
- Subaru BRZ (First Generation – ZC6)
- Subaru BRZ (Second Generation – ZD8)
More cars will be announced before launch.
Driving and Handling: Simcade with Depth
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is described as a simcade—a mix of realistic driving physics with some arcade elements.
Each car will have distinct handling, and players can fine-tune their setups to prioritize grip, drift, or a balance of both.
Will JDM: Japanese Drift Master Support Steering Wheels?
Yes! The game will support a range of steering wheels on PC. An official compatibility list hasn’t been released yet, but Gaming Factory is adding presets for different models before launch.
JDM: Japanese Drift Master Gameplay & Trailers
Since its announcement, Gaming Factory has showcased several gameplay trailers, highlighting:
✔️ Unreal Engine 5 visuals
✔️ Drifting mechanics
✔️ Manga-style story cutscenes
✔️ Vast open-world environments
Will JDM: Japanese Drift Master Have Multiplayer?
At launch, the game will be single-player only. However, Gaming Factory has hinted that multiplayer could be added in the future, depending on demand.
JDM: Japanese Drift Master – System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel i5-7400 / Ryzen 5 2600
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel Arc A580 / GTX 1660 / Radeon RX 580 (8GB)
- Storage: 16 GB available space
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel i5-10400F / Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel Arc A770 / RTX 3060 Ti / Radeon RX 6700
- Storage: 16 GB available space
Steam Deck support is unconfirmed, but performance may require lowering settings.
Final Thoughts: Is JDM: Japanese Drift Master Worth the Hype?
With an expansive open-world Japan setting, licensed JDM cars, and a unique story-driven approach, JDM: Japanese Drift Master has the potential to be a standout street racing and drift game.
Will it deliver on its promises? We’ll find out when it launches on May 21, 2025.
Are you excited for JDM: Japanese Drift Master? Let us know in the comments!