KartRider: Drift Interview

December 17, 2019 at 2:28am
By Jason Stettner

Interview with Development Team

A staple I do in all interviews in order to start things off is to ask that you elaborate a bit about your game (s) that people might not know?

Team: KartRider: Drift is the next evolution of KartRider, the most popular kart racer on PC in Korea, and huge esport globally outside the US. For KartRider: Drift, we’re changing things up by incorporating the art of drifting in a way that other kart racing games don’t.

There’s a real emphasis on driving and drifting mechanics that we’re incredibly proud of, which we’re sure will appeal to players of varying skills. It’s also the first game we’re launching on Xbox One with cross-play functionality, which is very exciting for us.

With KartRider being an older franchise, what’s new with this version for Xbox One and PC (Nexon Launcher)? Additional, what’s been adjusted for western audiences?

Team: We consider KartRider: Drift to be the next generation of the original game that’s so beloved in Korea. Since the original, we’ve included updated and optimized features for both PC and Xbox One including cross-play in order for players all over the world to experience the same gameplay in one place.

This was important for us in order to provide a true global game. Global matchmaking is also a unique feature to KartRider: Drift developed for western audiences. This feature will make it easy to play and compete with global players with similar skills.

I understand there will be cross-platform capabilities, could you describe how that feature will be used in the game?

Team: So with KartRider: Drift, we’re utilizing a number of cross-platform functions, including cross play, and cross progression. Regardless if you’re playing on Xbox One or PC, your Nexon account will host your friends list and progression across both platforms. Not only do we want to keep players competing together, but we want to make sure your personal progress stays with you at all times.

Since this will be on Xbox One, will it be on Xbox Game Pass when it debuts, will it be Xbox One X enhanced? (It’s enhanced now, 4k resolution, HDR support)

Team: No, right now KartRider: Drift is just part of the Project xCloud preview. As for Xbox One X enhancements, we’ll have more to share in the near future.

What sort of modes, or ways to compete will there be within this racing title?

Team: Three different modes will be available during the Closed Beta: Speed Mode, Time Trial Mode, and Item Mode. Speed Mode is an extremely competitive mode within the game that prepares players for the game’s main draw, the art of drifting.

It’s what sets us apart from the other kart racers out there. Item Mode is best for new players who are looking to acquaint themselves with the controls and how the game works, as they use various items in order to get ahead of opponents within the race. These items include objects such as mines, clouds, UFO’s and more. Time Trial will help players improve their drifting techniques as they try to beat their previous personal best time.

I understand there will be some customization present, what sort of options will be available for that feature?

Team: Customization will be available for characters as well as the karts they will drive. A variety of different skins will be available at launch for players to choose from for their characters.

It’s worth noting that the customization aspect of KartRider: Drift is purely cosmetic, and will have no effect on performance. The karts will also have customizable features that will include different skins to mix and match with players’ characters.

What was the process like to have this reveal be a part of the X019 event?

Team: Microsoft guided us through the entire process to help smooth everything for us. They have been an excellent partner and provided us with great support for KartRider: Drift.

Lastly I would like to leave a spot for you to say something or go over anything I might have missed during the interview?

Team: Ultimately, we hope people enjoy our game! That’s number one. We invite you to follow us on social media to get updates and other announcements about the game. Aside from that, we’re just really excited for everyone to play KartRider: Drift when it launches.

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