Umamusume: Pretty Derby LA Concert Canceled Due to Visa Issues
- The LA concert for Umamusume: Pretty Derby on October 22-23 is canceled due to visa complications.
- Refunds will be issued for both digital and in-person tickets, and fans express frustration over the situation.
- The developers, Cygames, apologized and noted that they had exhausted all options to secure necessary visas.
The developers of Umamusume: Pretty Derby have announced the unexpected cancellation of an upcoming concert scheduled for October 22 and 23 in Los Angeles. The cancellation is attributed to their inability to obtain the necessary visas for entry into the United States, despite having explored “every possible option.”
The concert was to provide fans of the anime horse racing franchise with both digital and in-person tickets. Refunds for these tickets are currently being processed, although many fans are left feeling disappointed and frustrated by the sudden news.
The official announcement stated, “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.” They also extended an apology to fans, particularly acknowledging how close the announcement was made to the event date.
Additional support for in-person attendees is being considered, though specific measures have yet to be disclosed. The cancellation notice concluded with further apologies directed at both fans and the production team involved in the concert.
Fan reactions have been largely sympathetic toward the developers and event organizers, rather expressing frustration over the political circumstances affecting visa issuance. One fan, expressing disappointment on X, stated, “I’ve only ever gone to one concert and I was really looking forward to vibing with everyone at the venue… I don’t blame them [Cygames]. Not after all this.” Another Reddit user lamented the inconvenience for fans who planned trips, stating, “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.”
This cancellation raises questions about the future of events organized by Cygames in the US. Broader concerns about US events have been expressed within the gaming industry, particularly regarding upcoming gatherings like GDC 2026 due to immigration policy changes.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
