Highly Anticipated Night-Runners Game Gets Another Delay, But It’s Not All Bad News

If you’ve somehow managed to miss the hype and buzz surrounding Night-Runners, you’re in for a treat. It has become one of the most highly anticipated upcoming JDM drifting games, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Initially, the game was scheduled to be released in early 2025, but it has had its fair share of delays, aaaaaaand it has just been hit with another one. But it’s not all bad news!

While non-Patreon members are expected to be able to play the game in 2026, early access for Patreon supporters is anticipated to arrive by the end of this year. However, we don’t recommend holding your breath just yet!

After numerous setbacks that had many fans wondering whether the project had been abandoned, this fresh update from the developer confirms that development of the game is still very much alive:

“To recap the last update: development of the Mount Haruna map has taken much longer than expected. This led to a dilemma of how releasing a rushed Demo soon would significantly delay the Full Release or wait until the full game is nearly finished to release a Demo. Both of which creates a lot of problems for content and sustainability of the development.

The best solution is to have a “Private Alpha Early Access” later this year. This way you can get to play with new content sooner, give feedback and the full game can be built without the pressure of rushing out a demo.

The Private Alpha will start as an expanded version of the Touge Demo, featuring Mount Haruna, 1–2 cars, and at least 1 (PA) with 2 new AI crews. As development continues more full game content will be added to the Private Alpha; new cars, AI crews, dealerships, player houses/garages, new PAs, and more.

Access to the Private Alpha will be available through Patreon with itchio, the same way as the Patreon version of the Prologue. Patreon pricing will remain the same and all Kickstarter backers who pledged for “Full Game Private Beta Access” or higher will receive free access on request. (this is not the same as the Private Beta Access reward, which will still come 1 month before the full release and will be a more polished and complete version of the game).

This direction lets the full game be developed first rather than a demo and allows you to be more involved in the process. It’s a good solution between the 2 previous options of more delays or a rushed sub-par release. This is not a long term solution, the goal is always to release a full game on Steam.

As a result, the previous timeline for the public Touge Demo and Full Release is no longer accurate. Both are now expected in 2026. The Private Alpha is currently targeting a Winter 2025 release, with November being a realistic goal based on current progress.“

If you’re not already aware of Night-Runners or what makes the game truly unique, you can check out this video from BlackPanthaa to see it in action:

The concept is a dream come true for fans of the old-school JDM culture. It captures the glory days of Japanese tuning culture from the 1990s and 2000s, complete with a nostalgic, vintage VHS vibe that makes everything feel authentically retro.

Part of what makes it so special is that it’s essentially a solo passion project by one dedicated developer (with some help on car models). Yet, the level of detail and in-game physics achieved by this incredibly small team is genuinely mindblowing.

The developer, Jem (of Planet Jem Software), clearly wants to make the game as perfect as possible before release. And we can’t blame him.

There are insanely extensive tuning and customization options beyond what you’ve ever seen in a game. Even in beta, there are 74 rim options available, as well as endless body kit options. You name it, it’s likely there.

You can literally strip interior parts from your cars and carry them around your garage (beer bottles and empty pizza boxes included), and the game throws you into Tokyo’s drift scene underworld with an intimidating storyline involving debt and the Yakuza.

You’ll find yourself arranging trips to dodgy, likely stolen, JDM auctions complete with spec sheets showing mileage, grade, and issues, where you’ll need to pick your ride. When the auction notes mention that the “license plate is linked with local crime organization,” you know you’re getting the true underground experience!

The grainy, VHS-style driving visuals focus on night street racing and drifting through Tokyo streets, with a sense of speed enhanced by motion blur, camera zoom, all complemented by a glorious JDM soundtrack.

Beyond the initial prologue area, new locations are being added, including extensive Touge areas, and the game will be continuously built upon for the final release.

Despite the delays, Night-Runners has generated Tokyo Xtreme Racer levels of enthusiasm among the drifting community. The prologue alone has earned an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, based on over 18,000 votes, which supports the level of anticipation for the project.

Night-Runners has to be played to be fully appreciated and understood. Right now, you can download the free NIGHT-RUNNERS™ PROLOGUE for PC via Steam if you wish to give it a try.

To join over 2,500 fans eagerly awaiting the final game, you also have the option to join the Patreon for a monthly fee, where you’ll be informed of the latest updates.