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First released in Japan in 2021, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby only became globally available on mobile and PC in 2025. From that point on, the game spread rapidly through word of mouth, social media, and streaming platforms.

“It looks strange at first, but just a few races are enough to get people cheering along,” wrote Polygon in its retrospective of the best games of 2025.

A Unique Concept, Addictive Gameplay

Uma Musume places players in the role of a trainer for “horse girls”—anime characters with horse ears and tails who compete across a racing season. Players must manage training schedules, stamina, happiness, special abilities, and fan numbers.

Uma Musume’s popularity surged dramatically on streaming platforms. Data from TwitchTracker shows a 1,100% increase in viewership and a 944% rise in the number of broadcasts in 2025. Major creators such as Ludwig and Northernlion also played the game, triggering an even wider viral effect.

Beyond Twitch, social media algorithms were flooded with real-horse fan cams, anime character edits, and cross–pop culture memes—including videos of Uma Musume characters set to experimental music.

One factor that sets Uma Musume apart is its deep connection to real Japanese racehorses. Each character in the game is inspired by an actual horse, complete with pedigree details and racing history.

The impact was felt in the real world as well. Legendary horses like Gold Ship gained waves of new fans, while Haru Urara—a horse famous for losing 113 races without a single win—received extraordinary attention from supporters. Before her passing in September 2025, Haru Urara even received 2.5 tons of grass as gifts from fans.

The Uma Musume phenomenon also extended far beyond the screen. Fans organized meet-ups at racetracks, wearing character costumes while cheering for real horses. Some even appeared in horse-girl cosplay at sporting events, including NFL games in the United States.

The International Museum of the Horse in Kentucky went so far as to dedicate a special exhibition exploring the relationship between Uma Musume characters and the real horses that inspired them.

Supported by Anime, Manga, and Game Updates

Beyond the game itself, Uma Musume also exists as an anime and manga series. While these were previously less known outside Japan, the game’s global success lifted the entire franchise. In November 2025, developers added a new career scenario to the game, reigniting enthusiasm within the community.

Thanks to its broad cultural impact, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby earned a spot in Polygon’s Top 20 Games of 2025. More than just entertainment, the game has encouraged players to learn about horse racing history, build new communities, and discover interests they never expected to have.