Based on our 15 years of content and live operations experience, we truly hope that KartRider: Drift will become a game in which players around the globe will love and grow to master as they enjoy it with friends, family and players across the world. Nexon – Our hope is that players worldwide will enjoy KartRider: Drift. PowerUp! – Do you think you can recreate the game’s success outside of Asia? Players can also express their personality through kart and character customizations. This is what makes it a good fit for console. Nexon – KartRider: Drift is a game that is easy to learn, and offers easy controls allowing families to enjoy together. PowerUp! – What makes KartRider: Drift a good fit for console?
We’re also doing our best to create a matchmaking system that’s based on skill level in order to meet our goal. It’s important for us to create the best experience for players using a controller while making sure there’s no difference between them and the players using a keyboard.įor cross-platform play, it’s important to ensure everything is balanced so there’s no loss or benefit based on the platform. Whereas, most Xbox players use a controller. The original KartRider’s controls are focused around keyboard entries. Nexon – The biggest difference is the feel of the controls.
PowerUp! -How different is it creating a game for PC vs Xbox One and also making it cross-platform? We had the chance to chat to the developers of KartRider: Drift and learn all about their plans, hopes and thoughts for the game. Meant to players the ability to express themselves through customisation and cosmetics, KartRider allows for custom karts and characters. In South Korea, KartRider is an esports drawcard and with the move to Xbox One, KartRider: Drift has the potential to be the biggest game in the franchise yet. Originally launched for PC in 2004, KartRider has 300 million players across Asia. In addition to what's previewed in the trailers, there are some additional gameplay details available for "KartRider: Drift.Announced at X019, Nexon America’s KartRider: Drift is a cross-platform, kart racer coming to Xbox One, Steam and Nexon Launcher. Customizations are shown for cars, balloons, outfits, and more, with styles taking inspiration from bunnies, airplanes, the beach, steampunk, and plenty of other options.
There's also an icy mountain track with barricades and jumps, plus a Halloween-inspired track, complete with pumpkins and a giant banana peel. The city track featured in the trailer shows drifting riders hitting obstacles like ice attacks and the local bus, which provides players a more detailed glimpse into gameplay.
Also introduced were game features including customization and promises of "dynamic online updates and seasonal content." Free play was also promoted.Īs for the gameplay trailer set to Blondie's " One Way Or Another," fans are invited to race their friends. Quick shots throughout the trailer showcased a wide variety of atmospheres and game elements, including giant ramps, alien abductions, bomb attacks, and tracks everywhere from the desert to the icy tundra and beyond. The announcement trailer introduced the "drift fueled competition" of Speed Mode and the "easy arcade thrills" of Item Mode. Since "KartRider: Drift" will be available on several other consoles, it could strike a chord with those who don't have a Nintendo Switch, which is known for a whole different kind of drift.
Considering the most recent entry in the main "Mario Kart" series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," has gotten more popular each year since its 2017 release, it seems possible that some fans of the popular Nintendo title could be in the mood for something different, yet familiar. An eSports league for the series-defining title launched in 2005 in Korea, and "it continues to be the longest-running eSports league to date."Īs a free-to-play game, "KartRider: Drift" has the potential to pique the interest of racing game fans worldwide. According to a press release from Nexon, the company both publishing and developing "KartRider: Drift," the original "KartRider" game from 2004 has been enjoyed by over 380 million players. Though this franchise may not be familiar to American players, "KartRider" games have been a massive hit with gamers in Asia. By the looks of things, "KartRider: Drift" will be a wild ride. 8-15, 2021 to give players a taste of what they can expect from the game. After years of development, "KartRider: Drift" will be holding its third Closed Beta Dec. Move over, "Mario Kart." There's a new racing title that's revving up to be a budget-friendly game changer for fans of whimsical, campy fun on wheels.