"Drift racing as a genre still remains niche," Dmitry Fokin from CarX Technologies on the main highlights for 2025

As we approach Christmas, we continue to review the results of 2025 with gaming teams. This time we talk with Dmitry Fokin, the CEO of CarX Technologies.

What was 2025 like for your team? What were you able to accomplish, what are you proud of, and what, on the contrary, did you not manage to do?

Dmitry Fokin, CarX: The year 2025 turned out to be truly eventful and significant for our company. The main goal of the year was the launch of CarX Street on the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. We successfully achieved this goal, and we congratulate our entire team once again! Both we and our players were eagerly anticipating this release, given that games like these don't often appear on consoles.

CarX Street

Another key event was the release of the beta version of our new PC project, CarX Drift Racing Online 2, which opens a new chapter in the development of our flagship drift racing project. Initially, we planned the early access release toward the end of the year. However, after launching the beta version, we encountered a split audience: some praised the realistic physics and car handling, while others faced difficulties and expected a more arcade-style driving. Currently, the team is actively working on two control options: a professional one for hardcore players and a simplified version for those who need a more accessible entry point.

This year, our team also attended the Tokyo Game Show for the first time, where we went along with AKI and RVI. Since drifting is part of Japanese subculture, it was particularly valuable for us to receive live feedback. At TGS, we showcased a playable version of CarX Drift Racing Online 2 and also displayed CarX Street. Japanese players warmly received our projects and inspired us to develop even more Japanese content.

CarX Drift Racing Online 2

What conclusions have you drawn for yourselves as a development studio at the end of 2025?

Dmitry: In 2025, our main takeaway remained the same as before. A good game takes time, hard work, and a piece of each employee's soul. Patience and perseverance will allow us to release a quality product that players truly appreciate. We are still striving and learning to work in this way.

What was the year like for the niche/genre you work in?

Dmitry: In 2025, the release of the project JDM: Japanese Drift Master took place. As developers of drift racing games, this launch was of particular interest to us. The drift racing genre continues to remain niche. Few high-quality projects in this direction, especially on PC, are released. We are pleased to see the market for these projects expanding. The more high-quality projects there are in the genre, the more the community grows and the interest in drift culture increases overall.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master

This year, there were also good mobile projects in the genre that significantly expand the gaming experience.

What trends in your niche/genre do you expect to strengthen or emerge in 2026?

Dmitry: In 2026, the trend of expanding typical racing gameplay towards related genres, mainly towards RPGs, will continue.

Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled for release in 2026, with its setting in Japan. We are curious to see how it turns out.

What are your team's plans for the coming year?

Dmitry: In 2026, CarX Technologies will celebrate its 10th anniversary since the team of enthusiasts came together and evolved into a full-fledged company. The main event of the year for us will be the release of CarX Drift Racing Online 2 on PC and consoles. This is not just a new project—it's a new chapter in the studio's history, reflecting our experience, ambitions, and the drive to push the drift racing genre forward.