Umamusume: Pretty Derby — This Year’s Most Unexpected Global Gaming Sensation

One of the most surprising hits of the year is a gacha game starring anime girls who race like horses — Umamusume: Pretty Derby.

Developed by Japanese studio Cygames, the team behind titles like Granblue Fantasy and Dragalia Lost, Umamusume is based on a multimedia franchise that includes manga, anime, and now an internationally released game. Originally launched exclusively in Japan, the title proved to be a massive success there, generating an astonishing $2.5 billion in revenue over just two years. As of now, it's finally made its debut on the global stage.

For those familiar with horse racing and betting mechanics, the gameplay will feel familiar — but with a distinct anime twist. Players summon horse-girl characters through loot boxes, each with their own rarity levels and unique stats. These stats influence racing outcomes, but don't determine victory outright. To win, players must also invest in training, manage support cards, choose the right lineage, and navigate a host of other strategic factors.

At its core, the game thrives on excitement and unpredictability. Will your character outrun the rest? How will different buffs and builds affect your race? Can you unlock that ultra-rare heroine? This tension is what keeps players hooked — and fuels the game's soaring popularity.

The cultural impact has been huge: memes featuring Umamusume characters are going viral, TikTok clips are racking up millions of views, Twitch streams have drawn over 80,000 concurrent viewers, and the game recently surpassed 47,000 concurrent players on Steam — all within days of its global launch.

Thanks to enthusiastic word-of-mouth from the Western community, Umamusume: Pretty Derby has quickly gone from niche curiosity to mainstream success. Just 12 days after its international release, it’s already become one of the most talked-about games of 2025.