Umamusume: Pretty Derby fans in the United States have been offered more than ticket refunds after the game’s first planned American concert was cancelled just days before the event. Cygames will also cover eligible cancellation costs for flights and accommodation connected with the Los Angeles show.
The concert was part of the game’s international music tour. It was intended to give fans a chance to celebrate a major year for the franchise, which launched in 2025 and won Mobile Game of the Year at last year’s Game Awards.
Visa problems cancelled the Los Angeles concert
Umamusume: Pretty Derby combines horse racing, character development and anime-style performers. Players train and race horse girls rather than traditional horses, helping the game build a particularly dedicated audience since its release.
Cygames said it could not secure all the paperwork required for its performers to enter Los Angeles in time for the concert series. The cancellation prompted frustration among fans, with some criticising the Trump administration and others questioning the timing of the visa applications.
One fan wrote that the performers had seemingly continued trying until the final moment. Another wrote that the cancellation reflected an America they did not want to live in. A further fan wrote that visa arrangements should have been completed earlier and accused Cygames of failing to expedite them.
Cygames expands its refund policy
Ticket refunds had already been planned for the cancelled performance. On October 21, Cygames announced that eligible fans would also be reimbursed for costs arising from the disruption.
Fans who cancelled travel and lodging booked specifically for the concert can claim qualifying cancellation fees. People who had already reached Los Angeles may also seek reimbursement for eligible travel and accommodation expenses incurred during the specified period, provided they meet the company’s requirements.
The decision is an unusually broad response to a cancelled game event, particularly for fans who had arranged interstate or international travel around the performance. It also highlights the logistical risk involved when touring productions depend on performers receiving visas before a fixed opening date.
London is the tour’s next planned stop
The next destination on the tour is London, although dates have not yet been confirmed. Fans who follow game events, live productions and the wider arcade news scene will be watching for further scheduling information.
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