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Cygames Net Profit Surges 136% Driven by Umamusume Boom

Umamusume: Pretty Derby Emerges as a Global Growth Engine

Japanese game developer Cygames has released its financial results for the fiscal year ending September 2025, revealing a remarkable surge in profitability. The company posted strong gains across revenue and earnings, with the primary driver being the explosive global popularity of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, alongside continued momentum from the latest Shadowverse card game release.

Umamusume Pushes Cygames’ Net Profit Up Over 136%

According to the financial report released by Cygames, the company recorded operating profit exceeding 33.1 billion yen, representing a 103.3% increase year-on-year. Total revenue reached approximately 137.5 billion yen, reflecting a modest 3.0% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The standout figure was net profit, which climbed by an impressive 136.5%, totaling around 21.7 billion yen, underscoring the exceptional performance of its flagship titles.

These results highlight how a small number of highly successful games can significantly elevate a company’s overall financial health, even in a competitive and volatile market.

Western Breakthrough Strengthens Global Presence

The global expansion of Umamusume: Pretty Derby played a crucial role in this financial leap. Since the game launched its English version on Steam and mobile platforms on June 26, it has successfully broken into Western markets where it previously had limited exposure. The title maintained a stable and engaged player base well beyond its launch window, signaling long-term potential rather than short-lived hype.

Adding to its momentum, Umamusume: Pretty Derby received the Best Mobile Game award at The Game Awards 2025, further boosting its international visibility and reinforcing its reputation as a standout live-service title.

Offsetting Corporate Challenges with Game Success

Despite parent company CyberAgent facing increased costs and financial strain related to an ongoing patent dispute with Konami, the overwhelming success of Umamusume has helped absorb much of that impact. Revenue from CyberAgent’s gaming division reportedly increased nearly sixfold year-on-year, demonstrating how central Umamusume has become to the group’s overall strategy.

This performance confirms that Umamusume is no longer just a domestic hit, but a foundational pillar supporting the company’s global gaming ambitions.

What Makes Umamusume Stand Out

Umamusume: Pretty Derby blends idol simulation, training mechanics, and horse racing into a unique gameplay experience. Players take on the role of a trainer, guiding “horse girls” through physical training, academics, and competitive races. Victories culminate in fully produced Winning Live idol performances, reinforcing the game’s hybrid identity and emotional appeal.

The combination of character-driven storytelling, long-term progression systems, and live-service updates has proven highly effective in attracting and retaining players worldwide.

THIS IS OUR SAY

Umamusume’s success proves that bold concepts, when executed well, can transcend cultural boundaries and redefine what a global hit looks like in modern gaming.

 Origin: automaton

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