JDM: Japanese Drift Master Adds Multiplayer Events and Ayumi Side Story
The PC version takes the lead in online multiplayer support, with console versions following later, marking a platform-specific rollout for a core feature.
Key Facts
- Gaming Factory and Beep Japan released a large update for JDM: Japanese Drift Master on July 30, 2026.
- The update adds multiplayer events to the PC (Steam) version, supporting up to 8 players in 15 race events.
- The new side story campaign Ayumi includes 8 events and is available for free on all platforms.
- Clearing all Ayumi events rewards players with a vehicle exclusive to Ayumi.
- The PS5 version adds basic Fanatec steering wheel support and improved Japanese localization.
Reporting from 2 sources: 4Gamer.net, Automaton.
Gaming Factory and Beep Japan released a large update for the open-world drift racing game JDM: Japanese Drift Master on July 30, 2026. The update adds multiplayer events to the PC (Steam) version, supporting online versus play for up to 8 players. Players can join from the open world or the main menu and compete in 15 race events across three categories: grip races, drift races, and 1-on-1 challenges. Examples include the drift event Haikama Lake Drift, Highway Grip, and Tofuna Downhill / Uphill 1vs1. The developers are preparing future support for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions. The update also adds a new side story campaign called Ayumi, available for free on all platforms. This campaign includes 8 events, told in manga format, and clearing all events rewards players with a vehicle exclusive to Ayumi. The update includes bug fixes and gameplay improvements across all platforms, such as adjustments to vehicle display and garage features, crash fixes, photo mode improvements, and open-world behavior adjustments. The PS5 version adds basic Fanatec steering wheel support and improved Japanese localization.
The update arrives for a game set in a fictional Gunma Prefecture, with a map containing over 250 km of roads from city streets to mountain passes. Players can choose between Simcade mode, which turns off all assists for advanced control, and Arcade mode for casual play. The multiplayer events include grip races where the first to the goal wins, drift races scored by drift points, and 1-on-1 challenges on mountain passes. The side story campaign Ayumi expands the single-player campaign by depicting the backstory of a boss character, told in manga format. The update also includes various improvements and fixes, with content differing between the Steam and console versions. The game is available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com, as well as PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.