The Game Awards is the night of the year for gamers, developers, and publishers, as we all come together to celebrate the best releases of the last 12 months. This year, there was some stiff competition in the Mobile Game of the Year category, but Umamusume: Pretty Derby reigns supreme, picking up the award.
While any of these mobile games were worthy winners, we can't help but think Umamusume: Pretty Derby is more than deserving of the accolade, especially as it's quite different from the other nominations in this category. If you don't know Umamusume: Pretty Derby, it's essentially an idol raising simulation game in which you take on the role of a trainer to humanoid horse girls who take part in races.
It's a fun time, and Umamusme: Pretty Derby's popularity has been truly special to see this year, even if a bit surprising. I'm still not over the fact that as part of her celebration, one of the girls dropkicks you into oblivion - pure gold.
Of course, we have to point out that the other nominees were all worthy of recognition, too, with Destiny: Rising, Sonic Rumble, Wuthering Waves, and Persona 5: The Phantom X all being great in their own right.
Destiny Rising, for instance, was long-awaited, and it arrived to the joy of both new and existing fans, adding even more lore to an already sprawling universe. I certainly enjoyed it, and was more than happy to revisit this universe on the small screen, while Umasume was a much-welcome nomination as it offers something a bit different.
Once again, congratulations to Umamusume: Pretty Derby and all of the other nominees. May 2026 see mobile games as good as these.