'Uma Musume Pretty Derby,' developed by Cygames, is marking its 4th anniversary on February 24, 2023. Launched on the same date four years ago, the game has become a cultural phenomenon, reaching over 22 million downloads worldwide. To commemorate this milestone, Cygames has announced multiple exciting updates and campaigns.
At the heart of the celebrations is the introduction of new characters and features. Notably, the beloved racehorse character Almond Eye makes her highly anticipated debut within the game. Along with her, several other legendary horses, including Lucky Lilac, Gran Alegria, and Love’s Only You, have also been introduced, much to the delight of fans.
The anniversary campaign offers players the chance to engage with the game through various events, including free gacha pulls totaling up to 120 times. This is coupled with gifts of up to 8250 jewels for players who participate. Such campaigns are geared at enhancing player engagement and attracting new users.
New game mechanics have also been introduced, making gameplay more accessible for both veterans and newcomers. The 'Auto-Training' feature allows players to set their training plans and let the game automate the following steps, ensuring users can enjoy the game without getting bogged down by its complexity.
Another significant addition is the 'Rental Deck' system, which enables players to borrow fixed support card groups suited for different racing styles—be it general, short-distance, mile, middle, or long-distance racing. This flexibility caters to the diverse strategies players may wish to employ, thereby improving their overall experience.
The newly released training scenario, “The Twinkle Legends,” introduces exciting narratives and characters pivotal to the gameplay experience. The launch coincided with promotional campaigns available both locally and online, showcasing the game’s commitment to continually evolve and innovate.
Combined with collaborations with local racecourses, 'Uma Musume' has been working to bridge the gap between digital and real-world horse racing culture, introducing many fans unfamiliar with the sport to the excitement of horse racing.
On the media side, Cygames released new commercials featuring the anniversary celebrations, which have caught attention for their engaging visuals and storytelling. The ads highlight the competitive spirit of the horse characters, especially focusing on the character of Almond Eye, whose determined persona resonates with the audience and reflects the narrative’s themes of rivalry and ambition.
The company expressed its gratitude to the fanbase through statements emphasizing the community’s importance. “Thank you for your support! We hope everyone continues to enjoy 'Uma Musume' as we move toward our 5th anniversary,” said the Cygames team.
Looking forward, anticipation grows among fans for even more developments and expansions as the gaming universe of 'Uma Musume' continues to thrive. With the upcoming 5th anniversary, it will be interesting to see what new characters, features, and collaborations will be unveiled, thereby enhancing both the gameplay and its cultural impact.
Overall, the 4th anniversary of 'Uma Musume Pretty Derby' is not just a celebration of achievements but also of the growing community and the enduring relevance of horse racing culture within Japan and beyond.