Why Cygames Doesn't Want NSFW Umamusume FanArt — It’s Not Just About the Game
- Sagar Mankar
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Umamusume: Pretty Derby recently launched worldwide, and it's already picking up serious momentum outside Japan.
From lighthearted Gold Ship memes to rediscovering the real-life story of Haru Urara, the game has quickly sparked interest on social media and among streamers. As players dive into the horse-girl gacha sim for the first time, many are also engaging with tons of fan-created content. But if you’re one of those inspired to make your own art — there are a few important rules you should know first.
Cygames, the developer behind Umamusume, has laid out clear community guidelines when it comes to fan creations. And they’re not just suggestions — they’re there to protect both the legacy of real-life racehorses and the legal relationships that keep the game alive.
See, the characters in Umamusume aren’t entirely fictional. They’re based on actual racehorses from Japanese racing history, with their names and likenesses used under official agreements with their owners and the Japan Racing Association (JRA). That’s a big deal — and it’s why Cygames is asking fans to respect certain boundaries when creating art or content based on these characters.
According to the official site, fans should avoid making or sharing anything that's "sexually explicit, grotesque, violent, politically charged, illegal, or that infringes on others’ rights."
The rules were created in partnership with agencies that manage the names and reputations of the real horses. And while Cygames encourages fan involvement, they’ve made it clear that they “may pursue legal action if necessary” if those rules are violated.
That might sound harsh, but the goal isn’t to kill fan creativity — it's to make sure that the project can continue in a way that respects everyone involved. Japanese fans have been following these rules for years, and now that the game is available in English, it’s just as important for global fans to be aware.
So if you’re enjoying Pretty Derby and feel like sketching your favorite horse girl, go for it! Just make sure to stay within the lines — here are all the guidelines if you want to read.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is available now on PC (Steam), iOS, and Android. Since its global release on June 26, it’s earned a 95% positive rating from over 7,600 reviews on Steam.