Taiki Scuttled.
The developers of Umamusume: Pretty Derby have announced a sudden cancellation of an upcoming LA concert, laying the blame on an inability to receive the proper visas despite exploring "every possible option".
The concert, which was set to take place on the 22nd and 23rd October, offered digital and in-person tickets to fans of the anime horse racing franchise. These tickets are being refunded, though fans remain frustrated.
"Although we have coordinated repeatedly with all parties concerned and explored every possible option in our efforts to make this event happen, we were unable to obtain the necessary visas for entry into the US, so we have come to the painful conclusion that holding the concerts is no longer possible," the announcement message reads.
"To all the Trainers who were eagerly looking forward to the show, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern this causes, and for announcing this so close to the event date."
For fans who had planned to attend the event in-person, the announcement also notes that options are being explored to help alleviate the frustration, though nothing has been announced at this time. The cancellation announcement ends with another apology to fans, but also the Umamusume cast, company staff, and others involved in the production of the show.
Fans, as you may have guessed, are annoyed. Not at the Umamusume developers or event organisers, but rather the political realities that have led to this outcome. "I've only ever gone to one concert and I was really looking forward to vibing with everyone at the venue and making this my second. I'm not even mad, just disappointed. Cygames will never set foot in America and I don't blame them. Not after all this shit," writes X user Soramoto.
"I’d be so mad if I had to wait six months for a Visa with no response too," writes Reddit user ScorchingDragon. "Feel really bad for the people who planned a trip out to LA though. Now they have to cancel last-minute or find something else to do. At least they can go to cosplay day at Santa Anita racetrack…"
One wonders whether this situation will dissuade Cygames from organising similar events in the US in the future. Elsewhere in the video game industry, concerns surrounding US events have also continued to bubble. A number of game developers and executives expressed concerns about traveling to GDC 2026 due to changes in immigration policy.
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