Latest news with #Cygames'
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
What is Umamusume? The New Viral Horse Racing Game Explained
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Gamers around the globe are suddenly obsessed with horse racing — so much so that stables have reported an influx of visitors wanting to see the athletic animals and are receiving fodder donations from fans half a world away. The reason for the hype? A free-to-play game available on PC, iOS, and Android called Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Developed by Cygames, the title was originally released in Japan in February 2021 and only got a worldwide launch in late June 2025, becoming a viral hit more than four years after its debut. Horse girls racing in a cutscene from Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Horse girls racing in a cutscene from Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Cygames Umumamuse is a game about recruiting and training horses and then participating in races with them — only the "horses" are human girls with horse aspects, such as their ears and tails, which are called Umamusume — literally translating to "horse girl." It features anime-style visuals and allows players to interact and bond with their Umamusume to boost their confidence and abilities. It's essentially a horse racing management sim with some slice-of-life stories added on top. A crucial aspect of the game is that each available Umamusume is based on a real racehorse, which inspired their various abilities and personalities — the characters are not entirely fictional. This is why some stables are seeing a sudden increase in interest or fodder donations: Players want to come by and visit or at least feed the animals that their favorite Umamusume are based on. Horses with interesting stories such as Haru Urara or quirky personalities such as Gold Ship have proven themselves to be especially popular. Aside from the magnetic personalities of the Umamusume, the gameplay itself is a big draw. Its core roguelite gameplay loop of training characters and preparing them for the coming races is a lot of fun due to how easy it is to bond and empathize with them. This, in turn, makes the races – which players are doomed to watch without being able to influence what's happening – all the more thrilling. It's incredibly satisfying to watch one's Umamusume win a big race, knowing what she's been through and what goals and dreams are driving her forward. In a category dominated by big franchises that are churned out in annual iterations, Cygames' Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a massive surprise full of heart. It brings the joy of sports games to an audience that usually looks elsewhere for its entertainment and is getting fresh eyes on the world of horse racing.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to claim Twitch Drops in Umamusume Pretty Derby?
(Image via Cygames) Want free Gacha tickets and training items just for chilling on Twitch? Yes, that's the magic of Twitch Drops in Umamusume Pretty Derby. If you're racing with your favorite horse girls and looking for a little extra boost without breaking your wallet, Twitch Drops are a must-have. Here's how to grab them fast and easy. What Are Twitch Drops? Twitch Drops = Free in-game rewards. All you gotta do is watch specific Twitch streams for a set time. No grinding, no swiping your card; just vibes. When Drops are live, you'll see streamers with a 'Drops Enabled' tag. Watch them, rack up time, and boom, rewards land straight into your game. How to Get Free Rolls Before July in Umamusume Global EN! Where Are Twitch Drops Available Right Now? As of now, Twitch Drops are only rolling on the Chinese servers of Umamusume Pretty Derby. But with the game getting global hype (especially after the Steam release), international drops might not be too far away. So don't lose hope if you're outside China. Just stay prepped. How to Claim Twitch Drops When They Go Live? Follow these steps to claim twitch drops when they go live: Step 1: Link your Twitch and Umamusume accounts When Drops go global, Cygames will likely give you a link portal. Use that to connect your Twitch account with your game account securely. No link = no loot. Step 2: Watch a 'Drops Enabled' stream Hop onto Twitch, search for Umamusume streams, and filter by the 'Drops Enabled' tag. Watch for the required time, usually anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Step 3: Claim your rewards on Twitch Once the timer hits, Twitch will pop up a 'Claim Now' button. Don't sleep on it; there's a time limit to claim. Click it before it disappears into the void. Step 4: Open Umamusume and grab your goodies Open your game, check your in-game mailbox, and collect your shiny new rewards. Could be support cards, items, Gacha tickets, basically stuff to make your horse girls OP. I played Umamusume: Pretty Derby because it has 96% positive reviews on Steam Track Your Drop Progress Go to your Twitch Inventory. You'll see exactly how much watch time you've clocked, what rewards are ready, and which ones you're close to unlocking. It's like a progress bar for free stuff. Not in China? Here's What to Do for Now Even if you can't get Drops yet, don't dip. Follow Umamusume streamers, stay tuned on Cygames' socials, and get your accounts linked in advance. Once the Drops roll out globally, you'll be first in line. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
