Game rewards is the night of the year for gamers, developers and publishers where we all come together to celebrate the best releases of the last 12 months. This year the competition was very fierce Mobile game of the year category, but Umamusume: Nice Derby reigns supreme, receiving the prize.
While any of these mobile games were worthy winners, we can’t facilitate but feel that Umamusume: Pretty Derby fully deserves this honor, especially since it’s so different from the other nominees in this category. If you’re not familiar with Umamusume: Pretty Derby, it’s basically an idol-raising simulation game where you take on the role of a trainer of humanoid horses that compete in races.
It’s a great time, and the popularity of Umamusme: Pretty Derby has been truly exceptional this year, if somewhat surprising. I still can’t get over the fact that as part of her celebration, one of the girls throws you into oblivion – pure gold.
Of course, we must emphasize that the other nominees also deserved recognition, and Destiny: Rising, Sonic Rumble, Wuthering Waves, and Persona 5: The Phantom X were great in their own right.
Destiny Rising, for example, was long-awaited and enjoyed by up-to-date and existing fans alike, adding even more story to an already wide-ranging universe. I certainly enjoyed it and was more than joyful to revisit this universe on the petite screen, while Umasume was a very welcome nomination as it offers something a little different.
Congratulations once again to Umamusume: Pretty Derby and all the other nominees. In May 2026, mobile games will be as good as these.
