Developers of "Drag x Drive" Embrace Wheelchair Basketball for Authentic Gameplay Experience

Crafting Realism: The "Drag x Drive" Approach to Authentic Gaming

The Genesis of an Idea: Embracing Wheelchair Sports for Gaming Innovation

The vision for "Drag x Drive" emerged from a fascination with various dynamic sports, including wheelchair basketball, rugby, motocross, BMX, and skateboarding. According to director Yoshinori Konishi, wheelchair basketball, in particular, served as a profound source of inspiration. This influence was so significant that the development team made a concerted effort to personally engage in playing wheelchair basketball to deeply understand its nuances.

Firsthand Engagement: Developers' Immersion in Wheelchair Basketball

While one team member, Hiroki Hamaue, had prior experience with wheelchairs from academic research, Konishi and art director Takahisa Ikejiri encountered wheelchair basketball for the first time during an experiential event in Osaka. This initial hands-on exposure was crucial in shaping their perspectives on the sport.

Comprehensive Research: Delving into the World of Wheelchairs

Recognizing their lack of daily wheelchair experience, the team embarked on extensive research. Konishi recounted their efforts to amass a wide array of educational materials, from encyclopedias dedicated to wheelchairs to video documentaries and essays by wheelchair athletes. They even studied manga focused on basketball and wheelchair themes, collectively absorbing as much information as possible.

Practical Application: Testing Equipment Under Secrecy

To further their understanding, the team acquired both standard and sports wheelchairs. The design of the sports wheelchair, with its distinctive angled wheels, proved invaluable for conceptualizing the game's in-vehicle mechanics. However, due to the highly confidential nature of the project—encompassing the game, the Switch 2, and its Mouse Mode—testing was restricted to the confines of their office. Konishi humorously recalled that high-speed testing could only occur in the hallway after everyone else had left for the day.

Navigating Challenges: The Difficulties of Wheelchair Basketball

Reflecting on their experience, Ikejiri expressed surprise at the challenge of shooting a basketball from a wheelchair, noting that the standard hoop height made it difficult to reach the basket while seated. Hamaue added that mastering wheelchair maneuverability required precise timing in applying and releasing force, highlighting the complex control aspects of the sport.

Expert Consultation: Insights from Wheelchair Basketball Players

Beyond their personal trials, the development team extended their commitment to authenticity by inviting actual wheelchair basketball players to test early prototypes of the game. Konishi emphasized the invaluable insights gained from these sessions, particularly observing the players' adeptness at in-game maneuvers like turning and moving backward, skills derived from their daily lives. He noted that observing their strategic thinking on the court provided even deeper understanding.

Confirming Intuition: Validating Controls with Experienced Players

Hamaue echoed Konishi's sentiments, stating that witnessing the rapid adaptation of wheelchair basketball players to the game's controls validated their intuitive control scheme. These interactions, including demonstrations of tilting techniques, were documented in subsequent parts of their developer interviews, providing a transparent look into their iterative design process.

Continuous Evolution: Updates and Future Prospects of "Drag x Drive"

Since its launch in August 2025, "Drag x Drive" has received two significant free updates, enhancing gameplay with features like wireless multiplayer and a Survival Tag mode. These ongoing developments underscore the team's dedication to refining and expanding the player experience based on their profound engagement with the sport that inspired it.