Uma Musume Pretty Derby

On March 26, 2016, Cygames announced a mobile game that would blend horse racing with anthropomorphic characters. The franchise imagines a world where legendary racehorses are reborn as horse-eared girls called Uma Musume, each inheriting the traits and histories of their real-life counterparts. These girls train and compete in races based on actual Japan Racing Association tracks, bringing the drama of the sport to a new audience. The concept quickly expanded into anime series, manga, and live concerts, building a dedicated fanbase.

The mobile game finally arrived in February 2021 after several delays, hitting iOS and Android devices, with a Windows version following on DMM Games. A global English release landed in June 2025, also on Steam, alongside versions in Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The franchise has been well received in Japan and abroad, with critics praising its unique blend of sports and character-driven storytelling. Beyond entertainment, observers have noted how Uma Musume boosted interest in real horse racing, introducing fans to the stories behind famous thoroughbreds.

The brand generated over $1 billion in its first year, making it one of the fastest mobile games to reach that milestone. By early 2024, lifetime revenue exceeded $2.5 billion, cementing its status as CyberAgent's most valuable property. Cygames, led by founder Koichi Watanabe and producer Yuito Kimura, operates from Shibuya, Tokyo. The franchise has faced criticism over its gacha mechanics and the use of real deceased racehorses, but continues to thrive through anime seasons, films like Beginning of a New Era (2024), and major live concert events.[edit]