Umamusume: Pretty Derby – The anime Horse Racing Game Taking Over the Internet
the internet is currently captivated by a unique phenomenon: training and cheering on anthropomorphized anime horses in a racing game.
What is umamusume: Pretty Derby?
Released in 2021 as a mobile game for iOS and Android, Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a blend of racing simulator and gacha game. The game reimagines iconic racehorses of the past as “horse girls” (lament) – anime humanoids with horse ears and tails. These characters get a second chance at racing for prizes and glory.Players focus on training their horse girls and cheering them on during races, rather than direct control.
From Japan to Global Viral Sensation
The game was initially a hit in Japan, even inspiring a multi-season anime adaptation. However, it remained relatively unknown in the U.S. until the English version launched on June 18th. It quickly gained traction thanks to popular streamers like Ludwig and Northernlion, peaking at 50,725 concurrent players on Steam on July 9th.TikTok Fueling the Frenzy
the game’s popularity has exploded on TikTok, with fans sharing clips and creating edits of their favorite horse girls. A key element driving engagement is the connection to real-life racehorses – each character is based on a historical equine athlete. this has led to a surge in searches for the original horses, increasing by over 800% as the game’s release, and creators are diving deep into their backstories.
Haru Urara: A Fan favorite
One horse girl,Haru Urara,has become notably popular. Fans express intense affection for the character, with one X user stating they would “do literally anything in the world for her.” Haru Urara is notable as being based on a real racehorse known for losing all 103 of her races, adding a layer of endearing underdog appeal.