[Update 1:00 AM UTC NOV 03] We have noticed that there has been some confusion about the upcoming changes described in this announcement. To clarify, the major changes will be arriving in the updates after the Season 5 update, starting with the first update in 2024.

Hello Racers!

This is my first time writing a Dev Blog. I'm Jaewoo Seo, the director of KartRider: Drift.

I'm aware that we haven't given our Racers a satisfactory experience with KartRider: Drift. We have been thinking intensely about this back at square one, and we're prepared to make some big changes after Season 5. The decisions for the overall direction have been made, but we need time to implement it in KartRider: Drift, and I would like to briefly mention what we are working towards in this Dev Blog.

In our efforts to make improvements to the things that you have been dissatisfied by and implement features for you to look forward to, we went back to the feedback our Racers have sent us throughout KartRider: Drift's service, and we've decided on a selection of changes to make.

These changes include long-requested in-game chat features, better differentiation of kart abilities, as well as UI improvements, improved Quality of Life features, a revamp to the Grand Prix, License improvements, and a lot more. We're also reviewing our patch cycle, to better deliver the features you've been wanting as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, time is needed to implement many of these changes, and they will be gradually implemented after Season 5 is released. Additionally, we have been forced to delay the release of Season 5, with the Season 4 Off-Season now expected to last three weeks. We ask for your understanding as we work towards improving KartRider: Drift.

During the extended Off-Season, we're going to work on improving the matchmaking which has given our Racers a hard time. These improvements will work to minimize inconveniences through selection and focus, and the number of options will be reduced to minimize the matchmaking wait times. We're focusing on this immediately in order to include it in Season 5.

In the long run, we are planning fundamental changes to how KartRider: Drift is enjoyed, but there are big problem areas that we need to resolve soon. Thus, we are working ahead to be able to quickly apply the changes that are needed.

The patch after Season 5 will not be more of these short-term measures, but instead feature major changes to the basic structure of the game, and we're looking forward to our Racers enjoying KartRider: Drift without the current inconveniences.

We apologize for extending the Off-Season and delaying the Season 5 update in order to devote extra time to the upcoming changes. As an apology, we have prepared a 10,000 Lucci coupon for our Racers that bear with us, and will also distribute a 10,000 Lucci coupon every week during the 3-week Off-Season. Please see the separate announcement for the coupons, and we ask for your understanding once more regarding the Off-Season extension.

Thank you.

-Jaewoo Seo and the KartRider: Drift Team-