Umamusume developers threaten legal action over fan-art that breaks guidelines

Developers of Umamusume: Pretty Derby have issued a reminder to players about the guidelines for creating fan art, warning that legal action may be taken if the rules are breached.

The viral horse racing game, which gained widespread popularity following its global release, has seen many players engaging with community content, including art featuring characters such as Gold Ship and the story of Haru Urara.

Umamusume has set clear community guidelines regarding the creation of artistic works with its characters, which are available on the game’s official website. The guidelines instruct fans to refrain from drawing or sharing content containing elements that are explicit, sexual, illegal, political, or infringe on the rights of third parties..

The developers explained the reason behind these rules is to protect the reputations of the real-life racehorses, as well as to maintain the relationship between Cygames, the horses’ owners, and the Japan Racing Association.

“It is thanks to the cooperation of these owners, the horses’ fans, and many others that we have been able to bring each Umamusume to life. As such, any works that could harm or otherwise discomfort any of the above parties will not be tolerated,” the developers stated.

Cygames noted that these guidelines were created “in cooperation with the agencies that manage the registration of the real-life racehorses’ names.”