How Umamusume turns real racehorses into anime legends

Umamusume devs have revealed how they develop each character and what unique factors they consider in the process.

Umamusume isn’t just another gacha game with cute characters. Every horse girl is based on a real racehorse, complete with quirks, struggles, and legacies that shaped Japanese racing history.

From Haru Urara, the “shining star of losers everywhere,” to Gold Ship, an unpredictable champion who could win big or throw it all away, Cygames has transformed the sport’s most dramatic stories into playable narratives.

The result is a game where fans don’t just collect characters — they relive the triumphs and heartbreaks of racing’s most unforgettable names. Given that Cygames has to ensure these characters stay respectful to their real-life counterparts, one has to wonder: how exactly do they do it while delivering a compelling story at the same time? Well, we spoke to them to find out.

Umamusume devs explain process behind writing characters

Bringing real racehorses to life as anime idols isn’t as simple as slapping on a cute design. The devs behind Umamusume say every character is built on months of digging into racing history.

“For Umamusume, we carefully research each real-life racehorse that serves as a model for our characters. This includes looking into their racing history, notable stories, and what they mean to the people connected to them,” they told us.

That research then fuels character creation. The team “thoughtfully develop each character to capture their unique backgrounds,” making sure even players who don’t follow horse racing can still connect.

“Our aim is to create scenarios and game designs that are enjoyable not only for those familiar with the original racehorses, but also engaging for players who may not know about them,” the devs added.

Cygames

Additionally, Cygames also admitted that they always had a deep interest in horse racing and the “rich” culture surrounding it.

“What especially moved us were the dramatic stories that each racehorse carries — stories that go far beyond their racing records. We wanted to share these emotional narratives with a wider audience.”

Their passion inspired them to consider whether they could reinvent these stories into “a new kind of entertainment.”

Real quirks and legacies reflected in-game

The result is a game where racehorses’ unique personalities and histories directly influence both storylines and gameplay.

Gold Ship is a clear example. In real life, he was a brilliant yet unpredictable runner, capable of brilliance or disaster depending on his mood. In Umamusume, that same chaos is recreated through a training campaign full of hurdles and unexpected twists, making her one of the hardest characters to raise.

Other stories carry more weight. Rice Shower’s campaign, for instance, moves the Takarazuka Kinen from Hanshin to Kyoto — the site of her final real-life race.

“By making adjustments like this, our goal is to allow fans to experience the victory they had always dreamed of for their beloved horse,” said Cygames. “Through making careful adjustments like this within the training system, we strive to honor every horse’s unique legacy.”