Software:KartRider: Drift

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KartRider: Drift
Developer(s)Nitro Studio
Publisher(s)Nexon
EngineUnreal Engine 4
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Android
iOS
ReleaseWindows, Android, iOS
  • WW: January 12, 2023
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • WW: March 8, 2023
Genre(s)Kart racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

KartRider: Drift[lower-alpha 1] was a online multiplayer kart racing game developd by Nitro Studio and published by Nexon. It is part of the Crazy Arcade franchise and a successor to Crazyracing KartRider (2004). It was released for Windows, iOS, and Android on 12 January 2023. Ports for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One was released on 8 March 2023.

KartRider: Drift was shut down on 16 October 2025. The game was regarded as a commercial failure.

Development and release

KartRider: Drift was dveloped by Nitro Studio and directed by Jo Jaeyun.[1] Its 2004 predecessor, Crazyracing KartRider, was shut down due to being replaced by Drift.[2]

Two closed beta tests were held on December 6-9, 2019 and June 4-10, 2020 for the Windows and Xbox One platforms.[3][4] The third closed beta test was held between December 9 and 15, 2021, adding PlayStation 4 support.[1][5] The open beta test (referred to as "Global Racing Test") began on September 1, 2022 and ended on September 6, adding Android and iOS support.[6]

The game was released on January 12, 2023 on Windows, Android, and iOS.[7][8] It was later released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 8.[9] It supported cross-platform play.[10][11]

After repeated changes of direction and not meeting player expectations, global and cross-platform support ended on February 27, 2025.[12][13] The remaining service for the PC platform in Korea and Taiwan was shut down on October 16, 2025. Nexon had the developer file bankruptcy on October 21, 2025, with its employees either laid off or moved to Nexon's other projects. The developer's net debt at the time of bankruptcy was ₩105,859,000,000, of which ₩83,000,000,000 was loaned from Nexon Korea.[14]

Legacy

The game is expected to be replaced by KartRider Classic.[15]

Notes

  1. ↑ Template:Korean/auto

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kim, Jaeseok (8 December 2021). "'카트라이더: 드리프트'의 3번째 시험 주행, "최고의 레이싱 게임으로 만나고 싶다"". https://www.thisisgame.com/articles/138833. 
  2. ↑ Ok, Giwon (11 December 2022). "‘국민게임’ 카트라이더, 18년 만에 서비스 종료한다". https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/economy/it/1071114.html. 
  3. ↑ "KartRider: Drift Enters Worldwide Closed Beta Today!" (in en). https://dezdoes.com/kartrider-drift-enters-worldwide-closed-beta-today/. 
  4. ↑ "Closed Beta Sign Ups Now Open For KARTRIDER: DRIFT" (in en). https://geekculture.co/closed-beta-sign-ups-now-open-for-kartrider-drift/. 
  5. ↑ "KartRider: Drift starts closed beta on Steam and consoles" (in en). https://gamesbeat.com/kart-rider-drift-starts-closed-beta-on-steam-and-consoles/. 
  6. ↑ "KartRider: Drift launches its open beta, letting players practice their driving skills until September 6th" (in en). https://www.pocketgamer.com/kartrider-drift/open-beta/. 
  7. ↑ "KartRider: Drift Release Date Hits, And It’s Free-To-Play" (in en). https://www.droidgamers.com/news/the-kartrider-drift-release-date/. 
  8. ↑ Kim, Seungjun (13 January 2023). "'카트라이더: 드리프트' 드디어 출시! 새로운 레이스가 시작됐다". https://www.thisisgame.com/articles/165705. 
  9. ↑ "KartRider: Drift's Season One Arrives on PlayStation and Xbox Consoles With Two Exclusive Collaborations" (in en). https://www.gamespress.com/KARTRIDER-DRIFTS-SEASON-ONE-ARRIVES-ON-PLAYSTATION-AND-XBOX-CONSOLES-W. 
  10. ↑ "Grab the Wheel in the Newest Online Cross-Platform Kart Racing Game, KartRider: Drift!" (in en). 2019-11-14. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191114005930/en/Grab-Wheel-Newest-Online-Cross-Platform-Kart-Racing. 
  11. ↑ "X019: The Legendary PC Racing Game, KartRider: Drift, Coming Soon to Xbox One" (in en-US). 2019-11-15. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2019/11/15/kartrider-drift-coming-soon-xbox-one/. 
  12. ↑ "KartRider: Drift shuts down on consoles, Steam & mobile on February 27th" (in en). https://delistedgames.com/kartrider-drift-shuts-down-on-consoles-steam-mobile-on-february-27th/. 
  13. ↑ Yun, Juyeong (1 August 2024). "카트라이더 드리프트, 콘솔·모바일·해외서비스 종료…"PC 집중"". https://www.news1.kr/it-science/game-review/5498804. 
  14. ↑ Jihun, Han (24 October 2025). "엔진 잃은 넥슨 자회사 ‘니트로 스튜디오’, 결국 파산". https://www.thisisgame.com/articles/405486. 
  15. ↑ Jeong, Ucheol. "'카트라이더: 드리프트' 서비스 종료...2년 만에 역사 속으로" (in ko). https://www.thisisgame.com/articles/214111. 



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